Former Alabama Player Thriving at Arkansas

Nick Pringle returns to face his old team after transferring following a Final Four run.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:23pm

This week, Alabama basketball is set to meet another former Crimson Tide player on enemy lines. When Arkansas travels to Tuscaloosa in hopes of avenging last year's loss to the Tide, Nick Pringle returns to Coleman Coliseum, where he spent two seasons prior to transferring after a historic Final Four run.

Why it matters

Pringle's transfer and success at Arkansas adds an interesting storyline to the matchup between the two SEC rivals, as the player looks to prove himself against his former team and coach.

The details

After two seasons at Alabama, Pringle decided to transfer to Arkansas, where he has found renewed energy and success on the court. His former coach, Nate Oats, has noticed the change in Pringle's play since leaving the Crimson Tide program.

  • Alabama and Arkansas are set to meet this week in Tuscaloosa.
  • Pringle spent two seasons at Alabama prior to transferring to Arkansas.

The players

Nick Pringle

A former Alabama basketball player who transferred to Arkansas after two seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama basketball team, who has noticed a positive change in Pringle's energy and play since he left the program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not in there on a day-to-day basis, but from what I can see in the games, it seems like he's got his energy back.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach

The takeaway

Pringle's transfer to Arkansas has rejuvenated his basketball career, and his return to face his former team and coach adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming matchup between the SEC rivals.