ESPN analyst highlights Alabama safety as a top NFL Draft prospect ahead of 2026 season

Photo via Alabama Athletics

Bray Hubbard continues to get recognition as one of the best players in college football ahead of the 2026 season.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst, Jordan Reid recently highlighted Hubbard as one of the best safety prospects for next year’s NFL Draft. Hubbard was joined by Tae Johnson (Notre Dame), KJ Bolden (Georgia), Jelani McDonald (Texas), Koi Perich (Oregon), Ty Benefield(LSU), Zach Lutmer (Iowa) and Jaylen McClain (Ohio State). Reid shared he walked away from watching tape on all these safeties impressed with the group.

Finishing up summer tape on the upcoming safety class. Strong group:

• Tae Johnson, Notre Dame
• KJ Bolden, Georgia
• Jelani McDonald, Texas
• Koi Perich, Oregon
• Ty Benefield, LSU
• Bray Hubbard, Alabama
• Zach Lutmer, Iowa
• Jaylen McClain, Ohio State

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 3, 2026

The former high school quarterback turned college defensive back is coming off his best season in college football. Expectations for Hubbard are through the roof. He is expected to be a key component for the Tide on and off the field this fall.

After stumbling out the gate last fall, Hubbard allowed a fire to be lit under him after he went viral to open the season when many accused him of jogging during a play where Florida State scored.

“You ever poured gas on a fire?” Hubbard said. “It’s like that. My phone’s blowing up. I mean, I don’t really care. It’s part of it, but it’s just fuel to the fire, so at the end of the day, that’s all it is.”

From that moment, Hubbard became a problem for opposing offenses. He finished the season with 74 total tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two sacks.