50 players Alabama fans need to know: The ‘awesome’ playmaker on defense
EDITOR’S NOTE: Between now and the unofficial kickoff to the football preseason at SEC Media Days on July 20, AL.com is featuring one Alabama football player per day. We continue the series today with Bray Hubbard.
Olivia Bennett 
EDITOR’S NOTE: Between now and the unofficial kickoff to the college football preseason at SEC Media Days on July 20, 205focus.com is highlighting one Alabama football player each day. Today, we turn our attention to defensive playmaker Bray Hubbard.
A Versatile Force in the Secondary
If you want to understand the true impact Bray Hubbard brings to the Alabama defense, you only need to look at what opposing coaches say about him. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was effusive in his praise leading up to the College Football Playoff.
"He kinda shows up all over the film," Arbuckle said. "He’s an awesome player. They ask him to do quite a bit of stuff and he doesn’t turn anything down."
From Role Player to All-American
Hubbard’s ascension has been steady and impressive. After playing in 13 games during the 2024 season with six starts, he solidified his status as a full-time starter in 2025, anchoring the defense for all 15 games. His production skyrocketed, earning him AFCA second-team All-America honors and third-team recognition from the AP.
The stats back up the praise. In 2025, Hubbard led the Crimson Tide with four interceptions—tying for the SEC lead—along with eight pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He even proved to be a factor in the pass rush, recording two sacks.
Iron Bowl Heroics and 2026 Outlook
Hubbard saved some of his best work for the biggest stage during the 2025 Iron Bowl. He snagged a critical interception in the third quarter and later sealed the victory by forcing a fumble with just 40 seconds remaining on the clock.
As a first-team All-SEC selection, Hubbard enters the 2026 season as a vital chess piece for defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. With his veteran presence and consistent motor, he is also a prime candidate to emerge as a team captain.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer captured Hubbard's value perfectly following the Iron Bowl win: "He’s tough, he’s resilient... goes to work every day, has a mindset it means so much to him."
