Topic overview
In brief
- The Alabama Crimson Tide has only one player on the Sporting News preseason All-America team.
- Safety Bray Hubbard was named to the second team after a strong performance in the previous season.
- The team's current situation raises questions about their future prospects and potential All-America selections.
Summary
In the realm of college football, the Alabama Crimson Tide has faced a notable shift in expectations as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team, once a powerhouse in the sport, has only one player recognized on the Sporting News preseason All-America team, a stark contrast to previous years. This player, safety Bray Hubbard, earned a spot on the second team, highlighting his impressive performance during the previous season. In 2025, Hubbard showcased his skills by tying for the SEC lead with four interceptions, two of which were made in a single game against Wisconsin. Additionally, he forced three fumbles and recorded 79 total tackles, including 50 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. While Hubbard's contributions are significant, he is not considered the standout player on the team. That title is often attributed to wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who gained attention by sharing the cover of the video game 'EA Sports College Football 26' with Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, a preseason first team All-American. Coleman-Williams, however, was not included in the All-America list, raising questions about the selection process. Another notable omission from the list is cornerback Zabien Brown, who led college football with two pick-sixes during the previous season. His impactful interceptions came at crucial moments, including a 99-yard return against the Tennessee Volunteers and a 50-yard return against Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer in the College Football Playoff. Brown is regarded by some as the true star of Alabama's secondary, which is ranked among the top five nationally. Both Hubbard and Brown have been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in college football. The current situation raises questions about the future of the Alabama football program, as fans and analysts alike wonder if Hubbard will be the only representative on the All-America team by the end of the season.