ESPN published a list of “under-the-radar” players for every team in its offseason top-25 on Wednesday morning.
That, of course, includes Alabama, as the Crimson Tide clock in at No. 9 on ESPN’s offseason top-25. Alabama’s ‘under-the-radar’ player is safety Bray Hubbard, who is expected to begin the year as a starter in the the Tide’s secondary.
Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Chris Low on Hubbard’s importance in Tuscaloosa:
Now in his third season in the program, Hubbard is poised to be an All-SEC caliber player and will team with a healthy Keon Sabb to give Alabama one of the best safety duos in the SEC. Hubbard, who chose Alabama out of high school over Mississippi State, Navy and Tulane, started the final six games a year ago after Sabb suffered a season-ending injury against Tennessee and made a name for himself with three interceptions. Look for Hubbard in 2025 to be one of the top names on Alabama’s defense.
Last season, Hubbard recorded 57 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 3 interceptions while appearing in 13 games. He also led all Alabama safeties with an 89.7 coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus. He played 209 coverage snaps last season per PFF — a number that’s expected to increase significantly with Malachi Moore now in the NFL.
Expectations are high for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama in 2025, but Hubbard is one of the players who can help the Tide get back to the College Football Playoff.
Alabama will open the 2025 season on the road against Florida State on Aug. 30.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
