Alabama safety elects to forgo NFL Draft, return to Alabama

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) entertains the crowd during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Bray Hubbard is forgoing the NFL Draft and returning to Alabama for his final year of eligibility. Alabama’s NIL collective announced the news on Monday afternoon over social media. 

“For some players, legacy isn’t just a word; it’s the reason they play,” Alabama’s collective tweeted. “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.”

Hubbard started 21 games at safety over the past two years. In his first full season as a starter last year, he led the team with four interceptions, while tying for the team lead with six pass deflections and three forced fumbles. Hubbard finished third on the team with 79 tackles, recording 4.5 stops for a loss and a pair of sacks. 

Hubbard was instrumental in Alabama’s Iron Bowl win at Auburn. His forced fumble in the final minute stopped a potential game-saving drive for the Tigers, allowing the Tide to bleed out the clock. Hubbard also intercepted a pass late in the third quarter, returning it 34 yards. 

Most projections tabbed Hubbard as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 213-pound defender is rated as the No. 5 safety in this year’s draft class, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. 

Hubbard’s decision to return is a huge boost for an Alabama defense that is losing three of its top four tacklers from last year in linebackers Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson and Nikhai Hill-
Green.

The Tide is still waiting on a draft decision from fellow starting safety Keon Sabb. Meanwhile, Alabama returns rising junior Zavier Mincey and rising sophomore Ivan Taylor as depth at the position. 

Non-seniors have until Jan. 14 to declare for the NFL Draft. Players who participate in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game will have a separate deadline of Jan. 23. The NFL will send the final list of approved early entrants to teams on Jan. 24. This year’s NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.