Three key defensive players announced they would return for the 2026-27 season.
Critical decisions loomed for starting safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, along with defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre, on whether to return for another season or declare for the NFL Draft.
Hubbard was the first to announce his return for his senior season on Jan. 12. Before the announcement, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper had ranked him as the No. 5 safety in the 2026 Draft. Hubbard was arguably Alabama’s most impactful defensive player this past season, leading the team in pass deflections and interceptions while tying for the most forced fumbles, and he was a 3rd-team All-American.
Hubbard looks to be a key piece for the Alabama defense next year and potentially even step into the role of team captain.
“That man exemplifies the Script A,” Alabama insider Kyle Henderson said about Hubbard.
Two days after Hubbard’s announcement, defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre decided to come back to the program.
The return of Pierre is more important to the program than just getting his talent back on the field. With Alabama losing multiple defensive linemen to the draft and the transfer portal, the defense has only two players playing the Wolf position, one of them being Pierre.
Pierre was ranked the No. 5 outside linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Kiper. The former five-star totaled 52 total tackles and had a team-leading 8 sacks in the 2025 season. Alabama totaled 33 sacks as a team in 2025; 19 of the 33 sacks were recorded by players who will no longer be on the team next year.
With pass rush production leaving the Alabama defense, Pierre looks to not only carry the load once again in the 2026 season but also break out as one of the best defensive players in the SEC.
Also looking to break out, Sabb announced his return to Alabama for his final season, along with Pierre, on Jan. 14. Pro Football Focus had Sabb as the No. 9 safety in the 2026 Draft and No. 108 overall player in the 2026 Draft.
Sabb has the most experience among Hubbard and Pierre. He has appeared in 33 total games across his career, and started all 15 games at safety in the 2025 season. The fifth-year senior totaled 52 total tackles, one interception, and three passes deflected.
With all three players returning, Alabama’s defense looks strong heading into 2026. Hubbard, Pierre and Sabb give Alabama the experience and talent needed for a good year on defense.
Hence then, the article about star defensive players return to alabama was published today ( ) and is available on The Crimson White ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Star defensive players return to Alabama )
Also on site :
- Katie Couric Shares Photo From Hospital Bed With Important PSA: 'Wish Me Luck'
- Indie Rock Band Announces Summer Tour Dates—Including First-Ever Stop
- Zelensky eliminating opponents before elections – opposition leader