The Tuscaloosa News’ Emilee Smarr reported that Holloway completed the requirements of a second-chance program following his March arrest and had the charges dismissed. She also reported that he had been permitted to take part in summer workouts while the legal process continued.
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne told AL.com that the department had been disappointed by Holloway’s choices but encouraged by his response, Kelly reported. Tuesday’s decision permits his return while preserving a suspension at the start of the schedule.
The games affected are separate from the November 9 return date. Alabama’s official schedule lists exhibitions against Furman on October 8, Ole Miss on October 15 and Auburn on October 22. The regular season opens at home against Sam Houston on November 3, followed by Arkansas State on November 6. Oakland visits Tuscaloosa on November 9.
Holloway’s absence removes an established scorer from those early games. Alabama’s official biography credits him with 16.8 points and 3.8 assists per game in 2025-26, along with 43.8 percent shooting from three-point range. He earned third-team All-SEC honors and reached double figures in 25 games.
Alabama has not announced a replacement starter or how coach Nate Oats will distribute the guard minutes during the suspension.
