Alabama football’s secondary is expected to be a major strength for the Tide in 2026 with multiple starters returning to its defensive backfield.
Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, Dijon Lee, Zabien Brown, Zavier Mincey and Red Morgan all have starting experience, and all of them will be lining up for Alabama this fall. There are also some young depth pieces returning in Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Ivan Taylor and Chuck McDonald. With this amount of depth returning, it is unlikely Alabama will be forced to lean on first-year talent in its secondary.
As a result, any Alabama true freshman defensive back who wants to get on the field in the fall will have to flat-out earn it, barring any injuries to expected starters.
Alabama signed four defensive backs from the high school ranks and one defensive back from the JUCO ranks in its 2026 recruiting class. The Tide also added one defensive back from the transfer portal.
One of the most intriguing Alabama freshmen is Jireh Edwards. The former five-star who can run a 4.4 forty at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds has the traits of a defensive playmaker. He is projected to be a safety for the Crimson Tide, and he looks like a perfect fit for the Husky spot within Alabama’s secondary.
Morgan is returning as the projected starter at the position with the departure of DaShawn Jones. Both Morgan and Jones played a significant number of meaningful snaps at the position. Jones’ departure is what opens the door for Edwards to possibly contribute at the position. Kirkpatrick Jr. will likely compete for playing time alongside him.
Alabama’s Husky defensive back is a hybrid defensive back role. The position is called upon to cover slot wide receivers, be physical against the run while providing run support, play in space extremely well and even blitz to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks at times.
Edwards shone in all of those areas for St. Frances. His 4.4 forty speed allowed him to run with wide receivers in coverage. His great feel for the game and ball skills allowed him to make plays on the football with great anticipation. He not only excelled at making tackles in space, but he also made punishing tackles in the open field.
Watch Jireh Edwards Senior Highlights Below:
Edwards is a true freshman Alabama fans should be really excited about.
