NC State Forward Cole Cloer Commits to Alabama

Cloer, a former four-star recruit, joins the Crimson Tide after entering the transfer portal.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:29am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of crimson red, white, and navy blue.Cloer's transfer to Alabama adds a talented forward to the Crimson Tide's roster as they aim to build on their recent tournament success.Bradenton Today

Former NC State forward Cole Cloer has committed to the University of Alabama after entering the NCAA transfer portal. Cloer, a four-star recruit, initially enrolled at NC State in January but decided to leave the program after head coach Will Wade departed for LSU. Alabama was one of the top schools recruiting Cloer out of high school at IMG Academy in Florida.

Why it matters

Cloer's transfer to Alabama is a significant addition for the Crimson Tide, who have reached the Sweet 16 in five of the last six seasons and made their first-ever Final Four appearance in 2023-24. The talented forward will provide depth and scoring punch to an Alabama team looking to build on its recent tournament success.

The details

After arriving at NC State in January, Cloer opted to enter the transfer portal rather than stay with the program under new head coach Justin Gainey. Alabama, along with Florida, North Carolina, and UConn, were among the top schools recruiting Cloer out of high school. Cloer was a four-star prospect and the No. 59 overall player in the Rivals Industry Rankings, ranking as the No. 23 small forward and No. 8 player in the state of Florida.

  • Cloer enrolled at NC State in January 2026.
  • Cloer entered the NCAA transfer portal after NC State head coach Will Wade departed for LSU.
  • Cloer committed to Alabama in April 2026.

The players

Cole Cloer

A former four-star recruit who played at IMG Academy in Florida and initially enrolled at NC State before entering the transfer portal and committing to Alabama.

Will Wade

The former head coach of NC State, who departed the program to take the head coaching job at LSU.

Justin Gainey

The new head coach of NC State, who took over the program after Will Wade's departure.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The Division I men's basketball team at the University of Alabama, which has reached the Sweet 16 in five of the last six seasons and made its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2023-24.

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What they’re saying

“This is a dream come true. This is something you always fantasize about as a kid; playing for your hometown, playing against the Dukes, playing against the Carolinas, playing in the ACC.”

— Cole Cloer

The takeaway

Cole Cloer's transfer to Alabama provides a significant boost to the Crimson Tide's roster as they look to build on their recent tournament success. Cloer's talent and experience will be valuable additions to an already strong Alabama program.