​A former Crimson Tide basketball player is returning to the state of Alabama to continue his collegiate career, but this time he will suit up for a different school. Sam Walters, who was part of Nate Oats’ historic Final Four squad at Alabama, has signed with Troy University, marking the fourth school of his college journey since his true freshman season in Tuscaloosa. Walters will play the 2026-27 season for the Trojans after most recently spending time at SMU, with a prior transfer to Michigan following his stint with Alabama. His move highlights the winding path many athletes navigate through the college basketball landscape as they search for the right fit and opportunity to maximize their playing time and development.
Looking back at Walters’ tenure with Alabama, he contributed in a limited but meaningful role for the Crimson Tide. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Walters averaged 12.3 minutes per game, delivering a career-best 5.4 points per contest while shooting an efficient 42.7 percent from the floor. He also averaged 2.4 rebounds per game, providing energy off the bench and occasionally stepping into more extended minutes when called upon. Walters’ versatility and experience across multiple programs could prove valuable for Troy as they prepare for a competitive 2026-27 non-conference schedule.
Troy, coming off a 22-12 season that included another NCAA Tournament appearance, will begin its 2026-27 non-conference slate at home on November 2 against UMass. That matchup will provide an early test for the Trojans as they build around a roster that has seen substantial turnover in recent years. Walters’ addition is part of a broader trend in college basketball where players transfer to different programs to seek new opportunities, develop further, and contribute to teams with distinct competitive goals.
The Alabama connection remains strong in basketball coverage within the state, and this latest development underscores how the landscape continues to evolve for players who once donned the Crimson Tide uniform. Walters’ decision to join Troy puts him back in Alabama’s orbit while aligning with a program aiming to leverage his experience and breadth of playmaking ability. The dynamic nature of transfers means fans will be watching to see how Walters adapts to Troy’s system and how his veteran presence influences the Trojans’ backcourt and overall tempo during the 2026-27 season.
Reporting on such moves typically includes input from those closely connected to the programs involved. Emilee Smarr, who covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News, has contributed reporting on Walters’ career trajectory and subsequent transfer, adding context to how this local talent remains relevant within the state’s basketball ecosystem. Smarr can be reached for further inquiries at esmarr@usatodayco.com, and her work continues to provide readers with insights into Alabama basketball and the broader tides of college basketball within the region.
The news of Walters’ transfer to Troy and the surrounding details originated with coverage in The Tuscaloosa News and has since been referenced in national and local outlets focusing on Alabama basketball and its alumni. As Walters steps into a new chapter with the Trojans, fans and analysts will be curious to observe how his experience at Alabama, Michigan, and SMU informs his performance and leadership on a program that seeks to maintain a momentum toward postseason opportunities in the upcoming season.