TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Head coach Nate Oats announced the signing of Qayden Samuels, the first signee of the 2026 recruiting class for Alabama men’s basketball. 

Qayden Samuels | 6-6 | District Heights, Md. (Bishop McNamara High School)

• Ranked as a four-star recruit, the No. 6 ranked small forward and the No. 18 player overall by 247
• Tabbed as the No. 2 recruit from the state of Maryland
• Ranked 10^th in scoring on the 2025 EYBL Circuit, scoring 20 points per game while shooting over 40 percent from three-point range for Team Takeover
• A 2026 McDonald’s All-American nominee
• Participated in the NBPA Top 100 Camp this summer, averaging 26.4 points and 9.8 rebounds in five contests
• Attended the 2025 USA Basketball Fall Minicamp 
• A First Team All-WCAC selection 
• Set the Bishop McNamara school record for most points scored in a game with 45

Nate Oats on Qayden Samuels: “Qayden Samuels is an electric scorer and has proven himself to be one of the best scorers in the country. Qayden is a very good athlete, who plays above the rim and makes good plays with the ball in his hands. We are elated to sign one of the most sought-after players in the country.”