Alabama

What can anybody say about Michigan now? Wolverines stars stepped up when it mattered most

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2024

What can anybody say about Michigan now? Wolverines stars stepped up when it mattered most

PASADENA, Calif. — For every magical finish at the Rose Bowl, there is a team that wants to forget.

Michigan has been that team, haunted by failure and burdened by the past. On the other sideline was Alabama, a program that eats other teams’ dreams for breakfast. As the sun went down Monday night, a familiar pit settled into the stomachs of Michigan fans who could sense where this was all going. Michigan had outplayed Alabama for much of the night, but the Wolverines were watching their national championship dreams slip away. They needed their stars to step up and save them from a lifetime of regret.

Step up they did. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy guided Michigan on a game-saving drive, hitting Roman Wilson for the touchdown that forced overtime. Blake Corum, the running back who has dazzled everywhere but the College Football Playoff, weaved through Alabama’s defense for the go-ahead score. And Michigan’s defense stuffed Jalen Milroe on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line, releasing a deep well of emotion that was building throughout Michigan’s long, strange journey to Pasadena.

BLAKE CORUM COULD NOT BE STOPPED‼️
Michigan takes the lead in OT 👀 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/FfeVQlHAAQ
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— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

What can anybody say about Michigan now? The Wolverines are 14-0 and heading to Houston to play Washington for the national championship. They just beat Alabama, the most successful program of the CFP era, and rallied in the final minutes of regulation to do it. With a 27-20 victory in the Rose Bowl, the Wolverines conquered their CFP demons and quieted anybody who still believed their success was a product of stolen signs or unfair advantages.

“FAIR AND SQUARE AGAINST BAMA!” defensive tackle Kris Jenkins shouted, clutching a rose and sitting between the flattened goal posts in the end zone. “No more excuses! Stop trippin’, man! Talking about film, iPads? Better not be none of that today. I’ll be checking the comments.”

As Jenkins celebrated, his mother, Shay Delotch, wrapped her arms around his neck, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You’re going to cry more than me,” Jenkins said.

“Because I know how hard you worked for this,” she said. “It’s not just a game. I’m crying about a stupid football game because I’m so proud of you.”

Across the field, a mob of cameras surrounded McCarthy. On the back of his arm, peeking out from beneath his shoulder pads, was a tattoo that says, “Attached to nothing, connected to everything.”

McCarthy has been working on his mental game, sharpening his mind for moments just like this one. The game couldn’t have started much worse for him, with an errant throw to the sideline that was nearly intercepted. Entering the final full drive of regulation, Michigan’s offense was in a prolonged funk, having picked up only two first downs in the second half. Yet McCarthy was able to clear his head and complete three of the biggest passes of Michigan’s season: to a wide-open Corum on fourth-and-2, to Wilson for 29 yards, to Wilson again for a 4-yard touchdown.

As McCarthy finished his postgame TV interview, coach Jim Harbaugh barged into the scrum and showered his quarterback with high-fives.

“The last two years being able to watch the opposing team celebrate, it’s just different when I see the maize and blue confetti on the field,” McCarthy said. “I’m nothing without this head coach, nothing without my teammates, nothing without that defense. Everything was so amazing.”

GO DEEPER

Auerbach: Michigan’s Rose Bowl win ‘just means more’ for Wolverines … and entire Big Ten

In the tunnel outside Michigan’s locker room, athletic director Warde Manuel relived the game with Jack Harbaugh, Jim’s father. Manuel has been in the middle of Michigan’s tumultuous season, steering Michigan’s athletic department through a pair of NCAA investigations and a public clash with the Big Ten.

Michigan stood by its coach in the face of controversy, and Harbaugh rewarded the program with a victory on college football’s biggest stage.

“He’s everything that you want in a leader of a group of young men and a staff,” Manuel said. “I love him. He’s just awesome.”

Speaking of which, how’s that contract extension coming along?

“Hey, brother, I’m working on it,” Manuel said. “Believe me.”

Blake Corum scored Michigan’s winning TD in overtime. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Inside the locker room, Corum was looking for his helmet, having ended up with Will Johnson’s instead. Corum’s rushing touchdown in overtime was the 56th of his Michigan career, breaking Anthony Thomas’ school record. It’s fair to say there’s never been a bigger one in Corum’s career, nor in the careers of most other players who wore a Michigan uniform.

Corum has been the backbone of three teams that won the Big Ten and appeared in the CFP. But heading into Monday’s game, his CFP stats consisted of three carries for 13 yards and a fumble against Georgia in the 2021 Orange Bowl. With one last chance at a signature moment in the CFP, Corum made it count with 83 rushing yards, a receiving touchdown and his 21-yard run in OT.

“When we scored and we forced overtime, I knew it was over,” Corum said.

Manuel thought the same, though his head and his heart rate might have told different stories.

“My heart inside was going fast,” Manuel said. “I was trying to walk it off a little bit. I saw our strength coach and looked at him when this overtime started. I smiled, and he smiled back. We both knew this would happen.”

Strength coach Ben Herbert is a pivotal figure in Michigan’s program, credited with instilling the mental and physical toughness that helped the Wolverines go 39-3 over the past three seasons. The burly man with the bald head and the icy stare had tears streaming down his cheeks after the game. Teaching a team how to finish is part of a strength coach’s task, and Michigan’s defense answered the bell.

“The look in their eye, the anticipation they had — there was no sense of uneasiness,” Herbert said. “They had full confidence. You could tell they were looking forward to it. They were smiling. They were like, ‘Let’s go finish this thing.’ That’s what they did.”

GO DEEPER

What happened on Alabama’s last play? Inside Michigan’s OT stop of Jalen Milroe

On the game’s final play, everybody on Michigan’s sideline expected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to keep the ball. The teams called consecutive timeouts before Milroe finally took the snap and plunged into the middle of Michigan’s defense. The Wolverines collapsed the play and buried Milroe at the line of scrimmage. A delirious celebration ensued as players rushed the field to celebrate the program’s first Playoff victory.

Losing this game would have haunted Michigan even more than the previous two CFP defeats. After bitter losses to Georgia and TCU, the core of Michigan’s team returned for one more run at a national championship. The players who came back were the ones who powered through when Michigan needed it most. One week from Monday night, the Wolverines hope to do this all again in Houston.

“This is the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life,” Wilson said. “Now I’m going to one-up it.”

(Top photo: Harry How / Getty Images)

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Alabama

ALBBAA launches 2026 Big Gobbler Photo Contest for Alabama Black Belt turkey hunters

Published

40 minutes ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

ALBBAA launches 2026 Big Gobbler Photo Contest for Alabama Black Belt turkey hunters

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is inviting hunters across the state to take part in its 14th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest during the 2026 spring turkey season.

According to the association, the contest highlights Alabama’s Black Belt region — a 23-county area long known for its strong turkey populations, hunting traditions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hunters who harvest a gobbler within the region are eligible to submit a photo for a chance to win a prize package that includes a $100 gift card, hunting gear, and a copy of Black Belt Bounty, along with a Buckmasters prize pack for the first-place winner.

“This is the 14th year for our Big Gobbler Contest, and it’s a wonderful way to further educate the public on all the natural resources found in Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt,” said ALBBAA director Pam Swanner. “Hunters flock to the Black Belt from all over the country to access our abundant hunting opportunities while also enjoying our area’s unique natural scenery, historical sites and local food and entertainment.”

The winning photo will be determined by online voting, which runs through May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Participants may vote once per day using an email address and IP address.

To ensure fairness, contest rules limit entries to one per participant and exclude winners from the previous two years. All contest decisions made by ALBBAA officials are final.

Submitted photos must also meet guidelines promoting ethical hunting and wildlife stewardship. Entries may be disqualified if they depict unethical behavior, violate Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regulations, or show unfair voting practices.

“It’s always rewarding to see the photos entered into the Big Gobbler Photo Contest every year,” Swanner said. “We know we have amazing turkey hunting available here in the Black Belt and what makes it truly special is seeing photos of young hunters bagging their first gobbler or father-and-son or mother-and-daughter hunting together. Those memories will surely last a lifetime.”

ALBBAA encourages participants to comply with all state hunting regulations, including obtaining a valid license through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Black Belt region includes Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].

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Alabama

Auburn vs Alabama live score updates, highlights from Saturday’s game

Published

13 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

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__

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Alabama

Tracker: Alabama Basketball’s Returners, Additions, Departures for 2026-27 Season

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

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.

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