Why Alabama football players feel Tide’s 2026 defense can be ‘amazing, phenomenal’

Photo By Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama

Alabama football’s defensive players look to be confident in themselves ahead of the upcoming season.

The Crimson Tide’s defense is expected to be a mix of experience in the secondary and new faces within its front seven. Bray Hubbard, who is expected to be a leader on defense for the Tide this fall, went as far as to say he thinks Alabama’s defensive unit will be phenomenal while talking to Tide 100.9’s Ryan Fowler at SEC Media Days.

“I mean, obviously we got a lot of guys returning in the back end,” Hubbard said. “We added some great pieces out of the transfer portal, and I’m ready to get rolling here in the fall and show what we can do.”

Zabien Brown, who will star in the secondary alongside Hubbard this season, is just as excited to hit the field with this unit.

“We could be an amazing defense, amazing factor on the field, and I can’t wait to get out there,” Brown said. “I think kind of just the experience we have overall and certain pieces, certain additions that we have. I think we’re going to look all the same and all different at the same time, if that makes any sense.”

Alabama finished the 2025 season ranked No. 13 in the FBS in total defense, limiting opponents to an average of 296 total yards per game.

The Crimson Tide’s defense will be led by defensive coordinator Kane Wommack for the third straight season this fall.