Brown, Hubbard Named to Thorpe Award Watchlist

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama defensive backs Zabien brown and Bray Hubbard were named to the Jim THorpe Award Watchlist on Wednesday afternoon, according to a release by the University of Alabama.

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Brown and Hubbard join a host of 35 defensive backs across the country named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watchlist, presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. Alabama has had two winners previously, with Antonio Langham as the Tide's inaugural winner in 1993, and Minkah Fitzpatrick bringing home the hardware in 2017.

SEC Players on the Jim Thorpe Award Watchlist

KJ Bolden, S - Georgia
Zabien Brown, CB - Alabama
Bray Hubbard, S - Alabama
Kelley Jones, CB - Mississippi State
Jelani McDonald, S - Texas
Ellis Robinson IV, CB - Georgia

Zabien Brown, Cornerback - Junior

Zabien Brown has been a two-year standout player for Kane Wommack's defense, starting all 13 games for the Tide as a freshman and all 15 last season as a sophomore. In 2025, Brown totaled 39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pick-sixes. Brown is the first Alabama cornerback to have two pick-sixes in the same season since 1992.

Bray Hubbard, Safety - Senior

Hubbard is one of the top safeties in college football and a captain candidate for the Crimson Tide in 2026. He earned All-SEC and All-American honors as a junior last season, tied for the lead in the SEC with four interceptions while adding 79 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a team-high six pass breakups to go with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Alabama Players Named to Preseason Watchlists

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.