Houston Mallette: Alabama commit Houston Mallette set to make a comeback in 2025-26 season after medical redshirt approval from NCAA

Houston Mallette's time with Alabama isn't over yet. The guard's medical redshirt was approved by the NCAA, On3's Joe Tipton announced on Wednesday.

Mallette spent last season at Alabama after beginning his college career with three seasons at Pepperdine. However, his season with the Crimson Tide was cut short due to injury.

Mallette appeared in just six games for Alabama before being shut down due to knee issues. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats believed the guard would be eligible for a medical hardship waiver after his shortened season.

“Houston Mallette, we submitted all the paperwork to the SEC for his medical redshirt, we don’t anticipate there being any issues there,” Oats said on May 13, according to Sports Illustrated. “He’s in with (trainer) Clarke (Holyer) about every day in the training room, he’s come along really well.”

In an interview with BamaOnLine, Mallette discussed his gratitude for Alabama amidst his injury.

“I just want to preface this by saying God is great, and I’m very thankful for Him,” Mallette said. “I’m very blessed to be in this position I’m in. ... I’m just really excited to be back with the team, and I’m blessed to be back in this position. ...

“I just want to thank the University of Alabama, Dr. Buettner, Dr. Cain, Clarke Holter, the whole coaching staff and especially the medical staff. The medical staff at UAB, they were amazing, and they really helped me these past couple of weeks.”

Mallette will get the opportunity to highlight his talents in another season with the Crimson Tide thanks to the NCAA's ruling.

NCAA Basketball: Georgia at Alabama - Source: Imagn

Auburn guard Houston Mallette's skill set

Houston Mallette came to Pepperdine as a three-star recruit who developed his skill set at Pacifica Christian High School (California) and in the AAU circuit.

The guard was an immediate difference maker for the Waves, serving as a three-year starter. In his junior season, he put up 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Mallette found shooting success from beyond the arc, averaging 41.5% in his final season at Pepperdine.

NCAA Basketball: Alabama at North Carolina - Source: Imagn

Mallette was expected to be a significant contributor for Alabama but was unable to fully show off his skill set due to his injury. In six games, the guard averaged 7.8 minutes and contributed 3.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg. He will look to make up for lost time next season.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter