My top 10 Alabama players for 2026
1) Pierre: Conversation was between him and Bray. Could’ve gone either way, but Pierre’s dynamic pass rush would be a little more difficult to replace IMO. Still has some work to do converting speed to power consistently, but have seen substantial improvement becoming an every-down edge. Twitchy and relentless.
2) Hubbard: 7 INT + 4 FF the last two years. Versatile defender w/rare instincts and top-notch playmaking ability. Can’t beat his leadership elements, including the energy he plays w/on defense. Infectious. Ability to wear multiple hats creates flexibility and more effective disguising for Kane Wommack.
3) Carroll: All-American potential. Held up well as a freshman OT despite being inexperienced and playing a new position. Now that he’s experienced and playing RG, sky’s the limit. Length will be a massive advantage for him inside. Plays w/that nastiness you want from your OL. Only concern w/putting him at 3 was what happens if OL doesn’t improve like we hope? Might not get individual recognition he deserves. Not expecting that though.
4) Brown: Technician who’s a fantastic tackler with premier ball skills and a knack for coming up w/big-time plays in the biggest moments. Needs to be better carrying receivers vertically at times, but he’s a Day 1 NFL talent. Ultra-competitive spirit.
5) Russell: If I’m going to predict that Russell wins the job, have to take talent, projected production and overall importance to the offense (and team) into account. Has a chance to be an elite passer and runner. Playmaking potential is off the charts. OL must help him early.
6) Brooks: Tough decision between him and Ryan. While RCW might be the flashier player, think Brooks will be a little more reliable/steady. Over his last 9 healthy games, averaged 4.4 targets. RCW averaged 3.8 in those same contests. More of a pure slot than anyone else on the roster, but can also produce on the outside. Should get significantly more national recognition this year. Only possible worry was not generating a lot of buzz in the spring, but not overly concerned. Star potential.
7) Coleman-Williams: Poised for bounce-back season. Debate between him and Brooks for WR1 was close. YAC ability is special, but also an explosive downfield threat. Must clean up drops, but he’ll be a massive headache for opposing defenses. After spending 81.6% of his snaps outside as a freshman, that number dipped to 47.8% in Year 2. Presence of Brooks in the starting lineup — as well as CD Morgan providing a big-slot option inside — should allow RCW to play significantly more outside in 2026.
8) Lee: Unicorn at the position (6-4, 204). Towering presence whose length + athleticism in zone coverage will strike fear into opposing quarterbacks. Inexperience showed up at times last year, but he’s physical while possessing quality ball skills. Should be even better in 2026. Has a higher ceiling than Brown IMO.
9) Thompkins: The perfect offseason addition for the Tide, especially considering what they lost. Inside-out versatility w/an NFL physique. Strong leadership qualities and an intimidating presence. Early-down Bandit who will slide inside, especially in those obvious passing situations. Will be a household name before it’s all said and done. Day 1 upside.
10) Woodson: Second-level field general w/top-notch size and length. Have really come around on him. Added weight (230 to 238) should help him tackle-to-tackle. Plus range and instincts displayed on A-Day screams “every-down defender.” Multiple years of starting experience was critical. Career snaps… Woodson (1,238); everyone else in that room (165). Potential riser.
👻 COLLEGE GHOST ALERT
He threw for 5,288 yards and 55 touchdowns in high school.
Most schools saw a quarterback.
Alabama saw a safety.
Now he’s one of the most complete defensive backs in college football. 👇
Bray Hubbard — S — Alabama #18
79 tackles.
4 interceptions.
3 forced fumbles.
8 pass breakups.
First-Team All-SEC.
A former quarterback who never stopped reading defenses.
He just switched sides.
The market sees a player who finally got his opportunity.
We see a future NFL safety with elite football IQ, range, leadership and ball skills.
Some players learn the game.
Bray Hubbard already understood it before he changed positions.
👻 DraftUncut Grade: A- Ghost
#RollTide #Alabama #NFLDraft2027 #CollegeFootball #DraftUncut
Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard might be the best safety tandem in college football.
Range.
Physicality.
Ball skills.
Experience.
Name a better safety duo heading into 2026.
Alabama safety Bray Hubbard plays the run like a linebacker, which is why he played 46.8% of his snaps in the box last year.
Hubbard always seems to be around the football and was top 10 among P4 DBs in run stops last season (22).
Bray Hubbard was named the No. 1 returning safety in college football by CFB-HQ ...
Hubbard posted 79 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 4 INTs, 6 PBUs, and 3 forced fumbles for Bama last season...🐘🅰️
Twenty #Alabama football players and staffers spent 3 days at Nike World Headquarters in Oregon this month. UA director of professional sports services & NIL, Joe Hawley, recaps the trip with @BOL_On3.
"Our guys just ate it up, and they loved it."
🔗 https://t.co/sO0j6QV3tz
Bray Hubbard (S) Alabama
✅ Ideal size at safety 6’2” 215 lbs.
✅ Ball skills with 7 interceptions over the past two seasons
✅ Physicality as a run defender
✅ Quick to read and react
✅ 90.6 run defense grade in 2025
✅ 82.6 coverage grade in 2025
✅ Good awareness in coverage
✅ Can cover in the slot
Alabama S Bray Hubbard (6-2, 217) hunts the ball & contact
🐘22 defensive stops vs the run led SEC safeties; 4 INT; 3 FF
🐘3 INT in 2024
Snap count from 2024
♦️31% Nickel
♦️31% Box
♦️38% C1/C2
2025
♦️5% DL
♦️23% Slot
♦️47% Box
♦️25% Deep
More backstory:
Hubbard was a USM ⚾️ commit. Won Mr. Football as a Jr., as a QB (won it again as SR.). Didn’t have any P4 🏈 offers. PG encouraged him to attend a camp, work out as S or WR.
Nick Saban evaluated, BH also ran a 4.5, snagged offer– committed a few weeks later.
When he was Alabama's DC, Pete Golding recruited Bray Hubbard, which is why he's 'not surprised at all' by the senior safety's success.
"Just wired completely different. ... I knew he had a really, really bright future. So, super proud of him."
🔗 https://t.co/DFFxppu93b
Ole Miss coach Pete Golding impressed with former Auburn QB Deuce Knight, current Alabama safety Bray Hubbard - https://t.co/Wa0wHIVEgz https://t.co/W7uRxLeqaU