Sabb and Hubbard were the only two defensive players with more than 800 snaps in 2026. And if both return in 2026, even with players like Ivan Taylor and five-star freshman Jireh Edwards behind them, Alabama has its significant building block for its defense.

Days after entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe has revealed where he will play in 2026.

Following Alabama's disappointing loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the team is set to lose one of its best players.

Brailsford and, likely, Proctor are off to the NFL. Formby, guard Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, Micah DeBose and center Joseph Ionata have entered the NCAA transfer portal. Dewberry and VanDeMark are out of eligibility.

Here's how the recruit rankings for IU football's starters compare to Alabama, and what they say about the Rose Bowl matchup:

Mbakwe played high school football at Clay-Chalkville. Like everyone that goes to Alabama, he was a big deal back in the day. He was ranked the No.1 overall athlete in the country by ESPN his senior year. He could do it all. Now he’s a cautionary tale. What happened?