Alabama head coach Nate Oats. Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama Crimson Tide land elite five-star hooper Qayden Samuels

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 8:58 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have been known to have some major pull on the college football recruiting trail, but let's give some credit to head coach Nate Oats and the basketball program.

Oats has brought some elite players into Tuscaloosa since he became the head coach back in 2019, and he's done it again.

Qayden Samuels is a five-star small forward recruit from District Heights, Maryland (Bishop McNamara High School). He has offers from all over the country, but he ultimately decided that his recruitment was coming down to Alabama and Georgetown.

On Wednesday, Samuels committed to the Crimson Tide.

"I had to decide whether I wanted to stay home or go away," Samuels told ESPN. "My family was going to support either decision. When I went to Alabama, I loved the school. I met with the trainers, academic staff, and the athletic director, and I felt a strong connection."

Alabama Crimson Tide land five-star small forward Qayden Samuels over Georgetown

Top-25 overall senior Qayden Samuels just committed to Alabama ‍

He averaged 20 PPG & 9.6 RPG on the Nike EYBL with Team Takeover @imqaydensamuels @slam_university (: @AlabamaMBB) pic.twitter.com/ft4r4rRmGr
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) January 28, 2026

Samuels explained that Oats has been recruiting him since he was a high school sophomore. Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley has been after him for just as long, though, so he had a tough decision to make.

Ultimately, for Samuels, it came down to fit. He sees what he can become under Oats at Alabama. He also believes in the Crimson Tide's program.

"Alabama has all the resources; they're building a new practice facility," he said. "During my visit, Coach Oats spent a lot of time with me, and we really connected. Watching him in practice, he is very focused and intense, but he never gets too high or too low.

"Their play style of shooting 3s, layups and free throws fits my game ... I believe it's a program and place where I can go and have the opportunity to become a pro."

According to the 247Sports Composite, Samuels is the No. 8 small forward recruit in the 2026 class. He's also the No. 22 recruit in the country overall.

He represents a massive recruiting win for the Crimson Tide.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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