Alabama star Aden Holloway’s March Madness status in doubt after alleged drug bust

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17 March 2026 at 03:00

The Alabama Crimson Tide college basketball team is in serious turmoil heading into 2026 March Madness.

The SEC program owns the fourth seed in the Midwest Region as March Madness prepares to tip off Thursday. However, Alabama could be without one of its leading scorers heading into the NCAA Tournament.

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Alabama’s Holloway has been “removed from campus” after law enforcement allegedly found over a pound of marijuana. The school says an investigation is being conducted, but this now puts serious doubt over Holloway’s March Madness status.

Alabama's Aden Holloway, the Tide's second-leading scorer, has been "removed from campus" the week of the NCAA Tournament pending further investigation by the university, the team announced.

Holloway was arrested Monday after authorities allegedly found over a pound of marijuana… pic.twitter.com/IA6SWVXGMN
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 16, 2026

An ESPN report indicates that Holloway faces two felony drug charges, including first-degree possession of marijuana-not for personal use. Tuscaloosa police arrested Holloway Monday after the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force “recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash.”

The timing of the situation couldn’t be worse for the Crimson Tide as their second-leading scorer now battles legal drama. This season, Holloway is averaging 16.8 points per game heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Holloway’s mugshot has been released to the public Monday following the wild update for Alabama’s basketball team.

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Alabama has also become one of the top scoring offenses in the country this season, so Holloway’s potential absence could lead to serious output issues once the NCAA Tournament begins.

Alabama Crimson Tide guard Aden Holloway shoots against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Crimson Tide are one of 10 SEC teams that have qualified for March Madness in 2026. The Florida Gators earned one of the number one seeds in the tournament.