Tennessee’s postseason outlook took a concerning turn on Saturday as star freshman Nate Ament was forced to exit the No. 22 Volunteers’ matchup against No. 17 Alabama with a lower-body injury.

The 6-foot-10 lottery prospect appeared to have his right leg pinned during a first-half scrum for a loose ball, and while he briefly attempted to return at the start of the second half, he was quickly pulled from the game and officially ruled doubtful to return.

Here’s the latest on Ament’s status after he left the game in Knoxville.

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Nate Ament injury updates

There are no official updates on Ament, who was doubtful to return after his injury against Alabama.

Though he did not return to game action, Ament did make his way back to the bench in Tennessee’s 71-69 loss. He was on the court for warmups in the second half, but it did not result in any game time.

Nate Ament returns to the bench, but is doubtful to return to the game. #Vols pic.twitter.com/0SvdIDh2xh

— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) March 1, 2026

This section will be updated with the latest available information.

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What happened to Nate Ament?

In No. 22 Tennessee’s game against No. 17 Alabama, the star freshman Ament was forced to leave the court after suffering a right leg injury with 7:42 remaining in the first half. The injury occurred during a scrum for a loose ball when an Alabama player fell on Ament’s leg, causing it to bend awkwardly.

Nate Ament gets rolled up on and has to leave the game 🥺

He walked off under his own power, but is not on the Tennessee bench pic.twitter.com/uz12IcBcbN

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 28, 2026

While Ament was able to walk to the locker room under his own power and briefly returned to play two minutes at the start of the second half, he was quickly pulled from the game again. A Tennessee spokesperson listed him as doubtful to return. Before the injury, the 6-foot-10 forward had recorded three rebounds and one basket.

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Nate Ament stats

Ament has been a standout performer for No. 22 Tennessee during his 2025-26 freshman campaign. Prior to his exit in today’s game against Alabama, he was averaging 17.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.