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Alabama players who are set to push for major awards in 2026

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive back Zabien Brown (2) is congratulated as he leaves the field at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama downed Vanderbilt 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama football did not have a single player listed as a finalist for a major college football award during the 2025 season. Will this be different in 2026?

It could be with the Crimson Tide returning experienced talent on both sides of the football. Here is a look at the Crimson Tide’s players who will likely be a part of said change:

Ryan Williams – Biletnikoff Award

This is the same conversation many were having last off-season surrounding Ryan Williams. Most were expecting more exciting plays and big moments from the former five-star in 2025 after his magical freshman season. Unfortunately for the Alabama native, drop passes and inconsistent play halted those expectations. However, he still managed 49 receptions for 689 yards and four touchdowns. The Alabama faithful is hopeful Williams will have a bounce-back season this fall, and if he does, he will squarely be in the race for the prominent Fred Biletnikoff Award. It is given annually to the best wide receiver in college football. DeVonta Smith was the last Alabama player to win the award.

Bray Hubbard – Jim Thorpe Award

Bray Hubbard returning to Alabama is arguably the best news the Crimson Tide has received all off-season. Hubbard was the Crimson Tide’s third-leading tackler during the 2025 season, and he led the Tide in interceptions with four. He also led the Alabama defense with three forced fumbles to go along with two sacks and eight pass deflections. The Mississippi native was a defensive playmaker at different spots within the Kane Wommack defense throughout the 2025 season, whether he was playing over the top or providing support closer to the line of scrimmage inside the box. If there is an uptick in his production in 2026, pencil him in to be a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. It is given annually to the top defensive back in college football. The last Alabama Jim Thorpe Award winner was Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Zabien Brown – Jim Thorpe Award

If there is any Alabama player who will challenge Hubbard in a push for the award, it will be Zabien Brown. He ended the 2025 season with two interceptions, both of which were monumental, as he returned both for touchdowns. Brown possesses a lot of the traits of a shutdown corner, despite him only being listed at 6-foot and 192 pounds. In the days when a lot of long and rangy 6-foot-3 or taller cornerbacks continue to shine, Brown is showing shorter cornerbacks still have a place in major college football. Brown shines with his anticipation skills and ability to close on the football. He is also excellent at trailing wide receivers in coverage by staying in their hip pocket. Brown is a name more college football fans will likely know by the end of the 2026 football season.

Yhonzae Pierre – Butkus Award

The Butkus Award is given annually to the best linebacker in college football, and Yhonzae Pierre could work himself into that conversation, being an outside linebacker who primarily rushes from the edge. The last edge defender to win the award was Georgia’s Jalon Walker in 2024. Pierre got his opportunity to be a full-time starter for Alabama during the 2025 season and never looked back. He silenced those who doubted his ability to stand up against the run and proved the explosive first step that made him an elite prospect is still intact. He finished the 2025 season with 52 total tackles, eight sacks and three forced fumbles.

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