Keon Sabb (3) and defensive back Bray Hubbard (18). Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alabama Crimson Tide get good news regarding 2026 defense

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 6:14 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have gotten good news as it relates to their hopes for the 2026 season.

They very well could have lost safety Bray Hubbard to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hubbard, a second-team All-American safety from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was considering entering his name into the draft.

According to Yea Alabama, he'll instead be coming back for his senior season, and he wants to come back and bring a championship to Tuscaloosa.

For some players, legacy isn't just a word; it's the reason they play. Bray Hubbard is returning to Alabama to build on what he's already started, leading a defense with one goal in mind: bringing another national championship back to Tuscaloosa," the social media account wrote in its report.

BREAKING: DB Bray Hubbard will return to play at Alabama for the 2026 season.

For some players, legacy isn't just a word; it's the reason they play. Bray Hubbard is returning to Alabama to build on what he's already started, leading a defense with one goal in mind: bringing… pic.twitter.com/ivse4sMwJ6
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) January 12, 2026

Alabama Crimson Tide getting back key piece of defense in Bray Hubbard

Simply put, Hubbard is a playmaker. This past season for the Tide, he notched four interceptions, which ranked 19th nationally amongst all college football players and tied for the lead amongst players in the SEC.

He also notched 74 tackles (47 solo), two sacks, three forced fumbles, and eight passes defended.

Hubbard was everywhere for Kane Wommack's defense, and it can't be overstated just how important he'll be for the Tide as a senior.

He's played in 28 games at safety over the last two seasons, largely as a starter.

If the Tide want to make it back to playing championship football in 2026, Hubbard is guaranteed to be a big part of that quest.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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