Alabama’s Aden Holloway reinstated after felony drug charges, suspended 2 games

Alabama reinstated star guard Aden Holloway, but he will be suspended for three exhibition games and the first two regular-season games of the 2026-27 season, Al.com reported Tuesday.

Holloway will miss exhibitions against Furman, Ole Miss and Auburn, plus regular-season games against Sam Houston and Arkansas State. He becomes eligible to return for Alabama's third regular-season game against Oakland on Nov. 9.

The suspension stems from two felony drug charges earlier this summer. Holloway entered the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's "second chance" program as part of his plea agreement, per Al.com. The specific nature of the felony drug charges is not detailed in the source.

Holloway did not play in the 2026 NCAA Tournament after being suspended from campus following the charges.

"We were disappointed by the choices Aden made, but we have been encouraged by the way he has responded," Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne told Al.com.

WHAT HAPPENED

The arrest came down this summer, with Holloway facing two felony drug charges that triggered his suspension from campus. The exact date of the arrest and the specific charges are not specified in the source.

As part of his plea agreement, Holloway entered the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's "second chance" program, per Al.com. He qualified because he was a first-time offender with non-violent felonies. The program requires random drug testing, 50 hours of community service, and educational courses.

The suspension cost Holloway the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Alabama reached the Sweet 16 without him, beating Hofstra and Texas Tech before falling to eventual national champion Michigan.

The Crimson Tide now opens the 2026-27 season against Sam Houston on Nov. 3, with Holloway sidelined for that game and the matchup with Arkansas State. He will be eligible to return for Alabama's third regular-season game against Oakland on Nov. 9.