Fresh off an impressive home win over Kentucky, Alabama will take a road trip to Nashville for an early measuring stick matchup in SEC play for both teams. The Crimson Tide will take on undefeated Vanderbilt in a matchup of what could prove to be the two best teams in the league this season.
Unfortunately, Alabama may not have star center Aiden Sherrell for the matchup.
Sherrell suffered a knee injury in the first-half against Kentucky on Saturday and did not return. While Nate Oats was optimistic that the injury wasn't serious and hopeful that Sherrell would be able to go on Wednesday, it's looking like it'll be a coin flip.
While it still sounds like the injury isn't a long-term issue, Sherrell's availability against the Commodores is very much in doubt.
Speaking on Monday during his radio show, Oats called Sherrell a "game-time decision" for Wednesday in Nashville:
Nate Oats said on “Hey Coach” that Aiden Sherrell will be a game-time decision Wednesday against Vanderbilt. He did not practice today.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 6, 2026
Aiden Sherrell's status up in the air for Alabama vs. Vanderbilt
Sherrell not practicing on Monday is the most worrisome sign that he may not be able to give it a go on Wednesday night.
Alabama will need all the help it can get against a really good Vanderbilt team. Mark Byington's 'Dores might be the most surprising team in the country this season, running through their non-conference schedule without a loss and opening SEC play with a road win over South Carolina.
The human polls may not be sold, but advanced metrics are. Vanderbilt ranks No. 6 in KenPom.
Vanderbilt's frontcourt has been difficult to deal with this season, which makes Sherrell potentially being out all the more consequential. The 'Dores lead the country in block percentage, and rank 17th in defensive rebounding.
The Crimson Tide's drive and kick offense might combat Vanderbilt's shot-blocking prowess, but others in the frontcourt will have to step up if Sherrell can't go.
That probably starts with Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, who could be in line to start in Sherrell's absence. He's coming off far and away his best game in an Alabama uniform against Kentucky. He scored 10 points with four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 18 minutes against the Wildcats.
A similar effort might be required on the road on Wednesday if Sherrell isn't available.
Alabama will hopefully have Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen back after he sat out Saturday's win over Kentucky, which will provide a boost up front as well.