Alabama’s rising star Bray Hubbard has a chance to be the Crimson Tide’s first Day 1 safety in over a decade.
Bray Hubbard has always been a name to remember in the world of college football recruiting, but now, with just one more season between him and the 2026 NFL Draft, the buzz around the Alabama defensive back is getting louder and more serious. The talk isn’t just about whether Hubbard will get drafted—it’s about whether he could become the Crimson Tide’s first safety taken in the first round in more than a decade. Alabama, a program known for producing elite defensive talent, especially in the secondary, has seen plenty of cornerbacks go early in the draft. But when it comes to safeties, that Day 1 status has been elusive in recent years. Hubbard could be the player who finally breaks that drought.
The last Alabama safety to go in the first round was Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, drafted 21st overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2014. Since then, Alabama has still put talented safeties into the league—Xavier McKinney, Deionte Thompson, and Jordan Battle, to name a few—but none have managed to crack the first-round ceiling. That’s what makes Bray Hubbard so unique. He combines the athletic profile, instincts, football IQ, and physical toughness that NFL scouts crave in a modern safety. And with his development under Nick Saban and his coaching staff, Hubbard’s timing could not be better.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 205 pounds, Hubbard brings ideal size to the position. But it’s his athleticism that jumps off the tape. A former high school quarterback, he has a natural feel for offensive schemes. That background has proven invaluable in his transition to safety. He understands how quarterbacks think, what they’re trying to do pre-snap and post-snap, and how they manipulate coverages. That gives him an edge in reading plays before they unfold. Hubbard is rarely caught flat-footed. He anticipates routes, breaks on the ball decisively, and never seems to be out of position.
His footwork is smooth and precise, which allows him to cover ground quickly in both man and zone schemes. Whether it’s breaking on an underneath throw or tracking a deep post route, he takes smart angles and rarely wastes movement. In an era when safeties are often asked to do more than ever before—playing in the box, covering tight ends, patrolling center field, blitzing off the edge—Hubbard checks every box. He’s a true three-level defender.
What sets him apart even more is his mentality. Coaches rave about his preparation. He’s reportedly one of the first in the film room and one of the last to leave. He studies tendencies, memorizes formations, and dissects quarterback habits. That shows up in his play. Hubbard doesn’t just react—he diagnoses. And he leads. His voice can be heard constantly in the secondary, communicating with corners, calling out adjustments, and ensuring everyone is aligned correctly. That level of leadership is something that NFL evaluators take note of. It’s not just about talent at the next level—it’s about who can be trusted with the keys to the defense.
Last season, Hubbard began to turn heads nationally. He finished the year with 78 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. Those are strong numbers by any standard, but especially for a safety who often had to rotate between deep coverage, slot assignments, and run support. His versatility made it hard for opponents to game plan. If they tried to isolate a tight end or slot receiver on him, he had the foot speed to stay in phase. If they ran right at him, he met them with leverage and form tackling. And if they thought they could go over the top, he made them pay with closing speed and ball skills.
Now, entering what could be his final year in Tuscaloosa, the spotlight is squarely on Hubbard. NFL scouts are watching closely. The buzz began in spring practices, when reports surfaced that Hubbard had taken another leap—getting stronger, faster, and even more vocal as a leader. At Alabama’s first fall camp session, he reportedly looked like the best defensive back on the field, regardless of position. And that’s saying something at a program that continues to bring in five-star talent year after year.
But this is more than just a story about one player’s rise. It’s also about what he represents for the Alabama defense moving forward. With the post-Nick Saban era still taking shape, players like Hubbard are crucial in maintaining the standard. He embodies everything the Crimson Tide defense has been known for: discipline, intelligence, toughness, and versatility. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, not because he’s been overlooked, but because he understands the weight of the tradition he’s upholding.
NFL scouts have already begun making the rounds in Tuscaloosa, and there’s little doubt Hubbard will be one of the most studied prospects on the roster this season. Some compare him to Justin Simmons of the Denver Broncos—rangy, smart, and always in control. Others say he reminds them of Harrison Smith from the Vikings, with his knack for timing blitzes and delivering punishing hits in run support. If Hubbard can put together one more strong campaign, there’s every reason to believe he’ll find himself in the conversation as a late first-round pick, potentially even higher depending on how the draft board shakes out.
What helps Hubbard even more is the way the NFL game has evolved. Safeties are no longer just deep-field defenders—they’re matchup weapons. Defensive coordinators now look for players who can disguise coverages, spin post-snap into different looks, and hold their own in one-on-one coverage against dynamic pass-catchers. That’s exactly the kind of chess piece Hubbard has become. He’s not just a safety—he’s a defensive solution. And that makes him valuable.
Throughout Alabama’s schedule, Hubbard will have plenty of chances to prove himself. Matchups against SEC opponents with NFL-caliber receivers and quarterbacks will give him the stage he needs. One or two game-changing plays—an interception returned for a touchdown, a strip-sack, a red-zone stop—could elevate his stock considerably. Scouts don’t just want production—they want impact. Hubbard has shown he can deliver both.
There’s also the matter of the NFL Combine. If Hubbard decides to declare early and participates in the pre-draft process, he’ll have a chance to solidify his first-round status with measurable testing. Given his background as a high school track athlete and quarterback, he’s expected to test well in drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and shuttle runs. But even more important will be the interviews. Teams will want to know what makes him tick. And those who’ve spoken with Hubbard before say he’s an articulate, driven, and humble athlete who commands a room without having to try too hard.
All of this is still hypothetical, of course. A lot can change in the course of one college football season. Injuries, team performance, and draft depth at other positions can all affect a player’s final stock. But the foundation has been laid. Bray Hubbard has done everything he needs to so far, and now the spotlight is his to embrace. He’s not just playing for wins on Saturday—he’s playing to make history.
The last time Alabama had a safety taken on Day 1, it signaled the peak of a dominant era for the secondary. With Hubbard leading the way, Alabama may be on the verge of another one. There’s a quiet confidence around the program that this is the year the streak ends. NFL scouts are taking notice. Analysts are beginning to talk. And most importantly, Hubbard is locked in—not on the draft, not on the accolades, but on doing his job every snap, every game.
Whether he becomes the first-rounder many now expect him to be will ultimately come down to consistency, health, and a little bit of timing. But one thing is clear: Bray Hubbard has a chance to do something no Alabama safety has done in over a decade. And if his past is any indication, he’s not just chasing history—he’s preparing to make it.
