In a significant move for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi has announced that he will be joining the team for the upcoming season. The 6-foot-11 center chose Alabama over offers from North Carolina, Kansas State, and Georgetown, adding to the growing list of talented transfers heading to Tuscaloosa.

Omoruyi had an impressive season with the Scarlet Knights, averaging 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in 26.9 minutes per game. His addition bolsters Alabama's recruiting class, which now ranks second nationally according to 247Sports.

The Crimson Tide have been making waves in the transfer portal, with Omoruyi becoming the fourth transfer to commit to the program in the past month. Aden Holloway from Auburn, Chris Youngblood from South Florida, and Houston Mallette from Pepperdine have all chosen to join the formidable Alabama squad.

The new acquisition has propelled the Crimson Tide to the sixth spot in the latest version of the 2024-25 CBS Sports preseason Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings, with Kansas retaining the top spot. The surge in rankings showcases Alabama's ability to secure high-caliber players and solidify its position as one of the top programs in the nation.

While the addition of Omoruyi brings excitement to Alabama, another player's future remains uncertain. Mark Sears, the CBS Sports Second Team All-American, has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and received an invitation to the upcoming combine. However, Sears has also expressed his intention to maintain his college eligibility, leaving fans anxiously awaiting his decision.

Should Sears ultimately decide to return to Alabama, the Crimson Tide's prospects will undoubtedly soar, potentially propelling them into the top five of the Top 25 And 1 rankings. Nonetheless, at present, projections indicate that Sears is likely to remain in the draft, allowing Alabama to secure the impressive No. 6 spot even without his presence on the roster.

As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, Alabama's success in the transfer market solidifies their position as a serious contender. With the addition of Clifford Omoruyi and the possibility of Mark Sears' return, the Crimson Tide aims to make a resounding impact and compete at the highest level. Only time will tell how this impressive recruiting class will fare on the court, but expectations are certainly high in Tuscaloosa.