Alabama
Dion Nelson Jr. transfers to Alabama A&M – The Selma Times‑Journal
Dion Nelson Jr. transfers to Alabama A&M
Published 4:18 am Sunday, January 7, 2024
- Former Selma High standout Dion Nelson Jr. will be play at Alabama A&M.
Former Selma High tight end Dion Nelson Jr. will play the next two seasons in his home state of Alabama.
Nelson is transferring from University of Tennessee-Martin (UT) and will play at Alabama A&M University. Nelson will have one year of eligibility remaining.
“I’m beyond blessed and grateful, let’s get to work,” Nelson said. “I’m excited for the next opportunity.”
A third year sophomore, Nelson was an all Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) tight end with the Skyhawks. Nelson had 12 receptions for 134 yards and four touchdowns for the Skyhawks.
In 2022, Nelson earned OVC honors with 21 receptions for 267 yards and six touchdowns. He led all OVC tight ends in both receiving yards and touchdowns.
Nelson posted a letter on his Twitter page, thanking UT-Martin Dec. 8.
“I want to say thank you to God for everything He has done for me and everything He will do moving forward,” Nelson said. “For me and my family, the journey continues. The past four years at UT-Martin have been nothing but a blessing.
“I want to thank Coach Simpson for giving me the opportunity to be a Skyhawk. I want to thank Coach Butch and Coach Cliff for giving me the opportunity when I first got to UT-Martin. I am grateful for the teammates I had at UT-Martin. I am thankful for each and every one of you.“
Alabama A&M head football coach Connell Maynor siad the Bulldogs needed a tight end and looks forward to getting Nelson on campus.
Nelson’s younger brother, DaKaari Nelson is a redshirt freshman safety at Penn State.
Alabama
Auburn vs Alabama live score updates, highlights from Saturday’s game
No. 5 Auburn baseball returns to the diamond on Saturday in hopes of getting revenge on No. 23 Alabama and to even the series.
The Tigers struck first in Friday’s series opener on an RBI double from Eric Guevara, but the Crimson Tide responded by rattling off 11 unanswered runs to defeat Auburn, 11-1 in eight innings. Alabama’s pitching staff limited Auburn’s bats to just three hits and five walks, while striking out nine. Key lineup pieces Eric Guevara and Bub Terrell struck out three times each. Other notable names, including Chris Rembert, Bristol Carter, and Brandon McCraine, were held out of the hit column.
Saturday’s pitching matchup features Auburn’s Jackson Sanders battling Alabama left-hander Zane Adams. Sanders suffered his first loss of the season last Saturday to Texas, while Adams struck out six batters and allowed five hits over six innings in his last start, a win over Florida.
Follow along for the latest updates, highlights, and notes from Saturday’s game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Great defensive efforts keep Auburn from scoring (Alabama 2, Auburn 2 mid 9th)
Auburn baseball put the ball in play in the 9th inning and even saw a baserunner with a walk. However, Alabama’s defense was alert and made three great plays, including one by center fielder Bryce Fowler, who robbed Eddie Madrigal of a sure base hit by making a diving catch and keeping Brandin McCraine at 1st base.
Auburn in the 9th: 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Auburn does not let a bloop single affect their mindset (Alabama 2, Auburn 2 end 8th)
John Lemm led off the inning by hitting a bloop single over the head of shortstop Brandon McCraine, but the Tigers’ defense quickly shook off the setback by retiring the next three batters to hold the tie. Ryan Hetzler continues to control the game in relief by giving up just three hits and zero runs over three innings of work with one walk and one strikeout.
Auburn has one more chance in regulation to score runs and to nail down a win in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama in the 8th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Auburn comes up empty despite Chase Fralick’s double (Alabama 2, Auburn 2 mid 8th)
Chase Fralick had the most heroic at-bat of the game in the 8th inning by hitting a double off the right field wall after fouling a ball off his ankle. Eric Guevara moved him to 3rd base, but Ethin Bingaman’s fly ball could not touch grass, and Auburn’s scoring opportunity faded away.
Fralick has now recorded four hits over the first two games of the series, and he joins Chris Rembert by having two hits in the game.
Auburn in the 8th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Hetzler gets out of a jam, preserves the tie (Alabama 2, Auburn 2 end 7th)
Things got dicey for Auburn pitcher Ryan Hetzler in the 8th as the first two batters reached base with a single and a walk. However, the next three batters, including Alabama star Justin Lebron, were retired, and the scoring threat ended.
Alabama goes to right-hander Hagan Banks for the 8th inning.
Alabama in the 7th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 2 LOB
A pair of pinch hitters spark a rally for Auburn (Alabama 2, Auburn 2 mid 7th)
Todd Clay and Caiden Combs combined to go 0-for-3 on the night, and with a change at pitcher, Butch Thompson elected to make a change at 1st base and designated hitter. Eddie Madrigal singled in his first plate appearance, and Logan Gregorio hit a fly ball deep enough to left center field to score Brandon McCraine from 3rd base to tie the game.
Auburn in the 7th: 1 R, 2 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Zane Adams’ night is done after 107 pitches
Alabama goes to the bullpen for the first time tonight to relieve starter Zane Adams, who struck out eight batters and walked two batters over 6 1/3 innings. Right-hander Bobby Alcock is set to take over with one out in the 7th inning.
Bristol Carter makes another impressive play to end an Alabama scoring threat (Alabama 2, Auburn 1 end 6th)
Carter followed his diving catch in the 3rd inning by hosing down Justin Osterhouse at 3rd base to complete a double-play and to, more importantly, keep Alabama from scoring another run.
Alabama in the 6th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 0 LOB
Chase Fralick’s single does not start the spark Auburn needs (Alabama 2, Auburn 1 mid 6th)
Chase Fralick logged his first hit of the game, and the third of the series, but it did not lead to an Auburn run. Eric Guevara flew out to center field, and Ethin Bingaman smoked a line drive off the pitcher Zane Adams, but Adams was able to recover and make the play at 1st base.
Ryan Hetzler will take over on the mound for Jackson Sanders.
Auburn in the 6th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Sanders gets out of trouble with a strike out (Alabama 2, Auburn 1 end 5th)
Jackson Sanders gave up a leadoff single and a two-out walk in the inning, but got out of the jam with a strikeout of John Lamm on a check swing.
Sanders through five innings: 7 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, 79 pitches (53 strikes).
Alabama in the 5th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 2 LOB
Offense comes up short again (Alabama 2, Auburn 1 mid 5th)
Auburn had few issues putting runners on base in game one of their series at Alabama, but could not put runs on the scoreboard. The trend continued in the 5th inning as Caiden Combs reached base with one out, thanks to a walk. However, Bristol Carter grounded out one at-bat later to end the inning.
Auburn in the 5th: 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB
Alabama takes the lead with a pair of infield hits (Alabama 2, Auburn 1 end 4th)
A pair of singles leads Alabama to its first run. With runners at the corners, Alabama’s Will Plattner laid down a perfectly placed bunt that hugged the first base line, allowing Brady Neal to score to even it up, 1-1. Luke Vaughn pushed the Crimson Tide ahead on another infield single that bounced off Jackson Sanders and rolled to Chris Rembert at 2nd base.
Sanders, who has five strikeouts on the night, needs run support from his bats in this upcoming inning.
Alabama in the 4th: 2 R, 3 H, 1 E, 2 LOB
Zane Adams bounces back from a leadoff single (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 mid 4th)
Pitching has been the story of the game so far. Alabama’s Zane Adams shook off a leadoff single from Eric Guevara by retiring the next three batters, two of those by strikeouts.
Adams through four innings: 3 hits, 1 run allowed, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts.
Auburn in the 4th: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Get SportsCenter on the phone! (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 end 3rd)
Bristol Carter hopes to get screen time on late-night SportsCenter tonight after making a spectacular diving catch in the inning. The play led to another Jackson Sanders strikeout and a groundout into the shift to retire the Tide in order.
Watch Carter’s incredible play below.
Alabama in the 3rd: 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB
Let’s see what Birmingham has to say(Auburn 1, Alabama 0 mid 3rd)
Chris Rembert was the center of a controversial moment in the inning. An SEC review questioned whether Rembert’s feet were properly in the box on a two-out single. However, the review, which lasted over eight minutes, determined he was in the box and got to remain on 1st base.
The call ended up not being a factor as Rembert was stranded on 1st base after Chase Fralick flew out to center field during the next at-bat.
Rembert now owns both of Auburn’s hits on the day.
Auburn in the 3rd: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Texas-Oklahoma has ended, Auburn-Alabama is now on SEC Network
For those looking to watch the Auburn-Alabama game on SEC Network, you can do so now as Oklahoma-Texas has officially ended. The Longhorns defeated Oklahoma, 5-4, in 10 innings to complete the sweep of the Sooners.
Jackson Sanders adds two more strikeouts to his total (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 end 2nd)
It is a very happy Sandersday so far, as Jackson Sanders strikes out two more batters to increase his total to four on the day. Will Plattner singled on a tough luck play off the glove of Eric Guevara that rolled foul, but Sanders’ strikeouts to close the inning ended the threat.
Alabama in the 2nd: 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Adams cruises in 2nd inning (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 mid 2nd)
After driving up Alabama starter Zane Adams’ pitch count to 28 in the 1st inning, Auburn went with a more aggressive approach in the 2nd inning, which did not bode well. Adams gets out of the 2nd inning on just nine pitches, and keeps the score at 1-0 Auburn.
Auburn in the 2nd: 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB
Auburn’s successful challenge prevents an Alabama score (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 end 1st)
Heads up defense led to a successful challenge as Auburn was able to wipe Justin Lebron off the basepaths. Originally ruled an infield single, Lebron slipped while trying to return to 1st base, which gave Auburn first baseman Todd Clay the chance to apply the tag. A replay review overturned the official’s safe call and sent Lebron back to the dugout.
The play proved to be important as the next batter, Brady Neal, doubled in the very next at-bat, which could have sent Lebron home for a score.
On another note, Jackson Sanders is off to a great start as he gets out of the 1st inning with two strikeouts.
Alabama in the 1st: 0 R, 2 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
Command issues lead to Auburn’s first run (Auburn 1, Alabama 0 mid 1st)
Alabama starting pitcher Zane Adams struggled with finding the strike zone in the 1st inning. One of those miscues led to Auburn’s first run, as a passed ball allowed Bristol Carter to score from 3rd base, putting Auburn ahead, 1-0.
Carter and Chris Rembert each reached base in the inning on a walk and a single, respectively. It is time now for Jackson Sanders to have the floor.
Auburn in the 1st: 1 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB
SEC Network’s broadcast of Auburn-Alabama could be delayed
SEC Network still plans to show Saturday’s game between Auburn and Alabama. However, the broadcast before featuring Oklahoma at Texas is tied 4-4 heading to the bottom of the 9th inning. Stay tuned for the latest updates. UPDATE: The game will begin streaming on SEC Network+ and will switch to SEC Network once Oklahoma-Texas is complete.
Auburn baseball releases starting lineup for game two of its series at Alabama
Here is a look at how the Tigers will line up on Saturday against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
- CF Bristol Carter
- 2B Chris Rembert
- C Chase Fralick
- 3B Eric Guevara
- RF Ethin Bingaman
- LF Bub Terrell
- SS Brandon McCraine
- 1B Todd Clay
- DH Caiden Combs
The experiment at designated hitter continues as Caiden Combs gets the start over last night’s starter, Lucas Steele, and Mason McCraine. Ethin Bingaman and Todd Clay return to the lineup, while Cade Belyeu and Eddie Madrigal bow out.
Last night, only Chase Fralick and Eric Guevara recorded hits, so it may be worth mixing the lineup a bit to find a spark. Auburn needs its bats to wake up on Saturday in order to have a chance to even the series.
Auburn vs Alabama pitching matchup
- Auburn: So. LHP Jackson Sanders (2-1, 3.66)
- Alabama: Jr. LHP Zane Adams (4-1, 4.11)
Auburn baseball vs Alabama time today
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Start time: 7 p.m. CT
Game two of the Auburn-Alabama series is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, March 28.
What channel is Auburn vs Alabama on today?
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Livestream: Fubo
Auburn vs Alabama will be broadcast live on SEC Network on Saturday from Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Derek Jones and Jared Mitchell will have the call from the booth. Live streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Watch Auburn vs Alabama on Fubo (free trial)
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
Alabama
Tracker: Alabama Basketball’s Returners, Additions, Departures for 2026-27 Season
4-seed Alabama basketball fell to 1-seed Michigan 90-77 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on March 27 in Chicago. This loss ended the Crimson Tide’s 2025-26 season with a 25-10 record.
These next couple of days will be a reflection for Alabama and head coach Nate Oats. The Tide will recount the moments that made them laugh, cry and created a bond that will last a lifetime. But the page will be turned to the 2026-27 season very soon.
The transfer portal opens on April 7, the day after the National Championship, and closes on April 21. BamaCentral is keeping track of the Crimson Tide’s outgoing and incoming players and coaches right here ahead of next season.
This article will be updated regularly throughout the offseason as changes to the roster and staff occur.
Last Update: March 28
Players Who Could Return, Transfer or Enter NBA Draft
G Labaron Philon Jr. (would be a junior)
G Aden Holloway (would be a senior)
G Jalil Bethea (would be a junior)
G Davion Hannah (would be a sophomore *pending redshirt*)
G Preston Murphy Jr. (would be a senior)
F Amari Allen (would be a sophomore)
F Aiden Sherrell (would be a junior)
F London Jemison (would be a sophomore)
F Taylor Bol Bowen (would be a senior)
F Keitenn Bristow (would be a junior *pending redshirt*)
C Collins Onyejiaka (would be a sophomore *pending redshirt*)
Exhausted Collegiate Eligibility
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Wrightsell was the lone 2025-26 Alabama player who was also a member of the 2023-24 Final Four team. He wrapped up his sixth season of basketball, playing three with the Crimson Tide after starting his career with Cal State Fullerton. He was labeled by Oats as a leader of this team on numerous occasions and his early departure from last season following an Achilles rupture gave him a National Championship mentality.
Wrightsell averaged 13.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals. In 27 appearances (19 starts), he played 27.3 minutes per game and had shooting splits of .403/.360/.793.
Houston Mallette
Whenever Mallette’s name was mentioned during a press conference, Oats lit up and gushed over him. The guard was also recognized as a leader and it showed every game via his extreme energy on and off the floor. Like Wrightsell, Mallette’s 2024-25 season — his first in Tuscaloosa after three years at Pepperdine — ended early due to knee injuries, and he plays every game as if it’s his last.
Mallette averaged 6.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals. In 35 appearances (12 starts), he played 23.3 minutes per game and had shooting splits of .372/.355/.886.
Noah Williamson
Williamson transferred out of Bucknell last offseason after being named the Patriot League Player of the Year. The Alabama center was available for every game this season, but he averaged less than 10 minutes per contest. His season-high was 10 points against Kentucky, but he also scored eight with two 3-pointers in the Round of 32 win over Texas Tech.
Williamson averaged 1.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.3 blocks. In 33 appearances (no starts), he played 8.2 minutes per game and had shooting splits of .313/.167/.643.
Officially Returning
Will be updated
NBA Draft Declarations
Will be updated
Outgoing Transfers
Will be updated
Incoming Transfers
Will be updated
Assistants on the Move
Will be updated
Incoming Assistants
Will be updated
The 2026 Recruiting Class
The rankings listed are from the time of each player’s commitment
Tarris Bouie, Small Forward
Bouie, who signed with Alabama last November, is the No. 33 prospect on the ESPN 100 list. The 6-foot-6, 170-pound SPIRE Academy standout from Geneva, Ohio, is the 13th-ranked player at his position and the second-best athlete in his state.
“I have a very good relationship with coach [Nate] Oats,” Bouie told ESPN when he committed. “We talk often, and that was the big difference in my decision. He is a genuine guy. Coach Oats recruited me hard, and I really like their style of play. Over the summer, I remember him being at almost every one of my games.
Qayden Samuels, Small Forward
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound standout from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md., is ranked as a consensus 4-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 18 prospect nationally, the No. 6 small forward and the No. 2 recruit in the state, per 247 Sports. He’s also the No. 23 prospect in On3’s rankings and holds the No. 22 spot in ESPN’s list.
“Qayden Samuels is an electric scorer and has proven himself to be one of the best scorers in the country,” Oats said in a press release. “Qayden is a very good athlete who plays above the rim and makes good plays with the ball in his hands. We are elated to sign one of the most sought-after players in the country.”
Jaxon Richardson, Small Forward
The 6-foot-6, 205-pounder from Southeastern Prep is ranked as the No. 21 prospect nationally, the No. 7 small forward and the No. 4 player in the state of Florida, per 247 Sports. He’s also the No. 27 prospect in On3’s rankings and is No. 17 in the ESPN100.
The McDonald’s All-American is the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, who was in the league for 14 years. He’s also the brother of Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson.
Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Threads and Blue Sky for the latest news
Alabama
Yaxel Lendeborg stars as top-seeded Michigan beats Alabama in Sweet 16
Yaxel Lendeborg had 23 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a dazzling all-around performance, and Michigan beat Alabama 90-77 on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.
Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau each scored 17 points as top-seeded Michigan set a school record with its 34th win of the season. Roddy Gayle Jr. finished with 16 points.
Led by McKenney and Gayle, the Wolverines (34-3) enjoyed a 33-6 advantage in bench points. But the versatile Lendeborg was the star of the show as his team grabbed control in the second half.
Next up for the Wolverines is Sunday’s Midwest Region final against the winner of Tennessee-Iowa State.
Labaron Philon Jr. scored 35 points for fourth-seeded Alabama, which reached the Elite Eight each of the previous two years. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. had 15 points.
Alabama (25-10) was once again without star guard Aden Holloway, who missed the school’s tournament run after he was suspended indefinitely following a March 16 arrest on felony drug charges.
Even without Holloway, the Crimson Tide stayed right with the Wolverines for much of the up-tempo matchup of two of the tournament’s highest scoring teams. But everything changed when Lendeborg, the Big Ten player of the year, started to assert himself at the beginning of the second half.
-
Sports1 week agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
New Mexico6 days agoClovis shooting leaves one dead, four injured
-
Tennessee6 days agoTennessee Police Investigating Alleged Assault Involving ‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson
-
Technology7 days agoYouTube job scam text: How to spot it fast
-
Minneapolis, MN3 days agoBoy who shielded classmate during school shooting receives Medal of Honor
-
Science1 week agoRecord Heat Meets a Major Snow Drought Across the West
-
Texas1 week agoHow to buy Houston vs. Texas A&M 2026 March Madness tickets
-
Politics1 week agoSchumer gambit fails as DHS shutdown hits 36 days and airport lines grow