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PFF Ranks Alabama Star as Top 10 Player at His Position

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 3:38 PM ET

Coming into the 2024 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide seemed set at safety with fifth-year senior Malachi Moore and Michigan transfer Keon Sabb roaming the back end. Much of the worry was on the Crimson Tide's youth in the cornerback room.

However, during the Tennessee game, Alabama lost Sabb to a foot injury that he wouldn't come back from. The Tide defense didn't seem to miss a beat as sophomore Bray Hubbard stepped right in.

After a strong close to the season, Hubbard is an anchor on the back half of the defense going into 2025. The third-year player even received praise from Pro Football Focus as PFF ranked Hubbard as the No. 6 safety returning in college football.

In his first start of his career against Missouri, Hubbard recorded an interception before finishing with three on the season. The Mississippi native also helps out in the run game totaling 57 tackles and a forced fumble highlighted by an 11-tackle performance against Oklahoma.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama following Nick Saban's retirement, is the top safety on PFF's list. The SEC owns three of the 10 players with Texas's Michael Taafe coming in at No. 4 and Georgia's KJ Bolden slotted at No. 5.

Alabama has been without Sabb during spring practice because of his injury. The Crimson Tide's spring practice wraps up on Saturday with A-Day inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama opens the 2025 season on the road against Florida State, which is coming off an embarrassing 2-10 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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