Jalil Bethea Undergoes Surgery on Left Foot, Unclear Return Timeline

Alabama guard Jalil Bethea has had surgery on his left foot following an injury sustained during practice, head coach Nate Oats announced on Sunday.

The procedure was carried out on September 19, 2025, in Birmingham by Dr. Norman Waldrop at Andrews Sports Medicine. The injury, while serious enough to require surgical repair, is not expected to be season-ending, although the exact recovery timeline is still uncertain.

Background & Bethea’s Role

Bethea transferred to Alabama from the University of Miami this past offseason, having completed his freshman year there. At Miami, he averaged about 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 31 games (16 starts). He was viewed as a significant addition to the Crimson Tide roster, projected to contribute meaningfully in the 2025-26 season.

He was among the group of transfers brought in to bolster Alabama’s depth and scoring options, particularly on the wing.

What’s Known & What’s Not

• The foot injury occurred during practice.
• Surgery was performed Friday, September 19.
• The medical team does not believe this is a season-ending injury. Bethea is expected to return sometime in the 2025-26 season.
• However, there is no official timetable for his return. Recovery will depend on how his rehabilitation goes.

Impacts on Alabama

Bethea’s absence in the early part of the season creates a challenge for Alabama’s backcourt rotation. The team may have to lean more heavily on returning guards and newcomers until Bethea is ready. Surgery

Given Bethea’s touted status as a top-10 recruit in his high school class, there was high anticipation for his impact this year; this injury sets back those expectations temporarily.

Coach Nate Oats and the Alabama staff will likely monitor Bethea’s progress carefully to avoid setbacks and ensure a safe return. The medical staff’s comments suggest a cautious and hopeful outlook.