Alabama is a NFL factory! Even though Nick Saban is no longer head coach. Kalen Deboer version is no different. Check out the best players who could get drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ty Simpson was named a team captain prior to the season, but fans didn’t yet realize the star they had on their hands. After the tough loss to the Seminoles, fans were looking for someone to blame, and Simpson was not exempt. Some even called for the team to start former five-star freshman quarterback Keelon Russell. Simpson had two games to win the fanbase back, and for the most part, he did—but everyone knew the real test would be the Georgia Bulldogs on the road.
Photo Cred: Alabama
Against Georgia, Simpson threw for 276 yards, two passing touchdowns, and added another on the ground while handing the Bulldogs their first home loss since 2019. Fans began calling him “Tyisman” after the performance vaulted him into the top three of the Heisman race. He has continued to be a leader throughout Alabama’s winning season, showing the Tide and the college football world the star who has been developing in the locker room since 2022.
A two-time captain who has been consistently productive for the Tide is Deontae Lawson. Lawson has started since his redshirt freshman season and showed steady improvement year after year until his junior season was cut short by a torn ACL. Before the injury, he was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. While his stats have taken a slight dip since, he began regaining momentum midway through this season and forced a late-game fumble that helped Alabama complete a comeback win against South Carolina.
Lawson is a well-rounded linebacker who can defend the run and drop back effectively in zone coverage. Alabama has a strong history of producing elite offensive linemen, with Tyler Booker going 12th overall last year and JC Latham taken seventh the year before. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor looks to be the next Alabama lineman drafted in the first round, with CBS Sports projecting him at No. 25. Proctor has been a major part of the Tide’s offensive success through the air, surrendering just one sack this season.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
Alabama has even added packages featuring Proctor as the ball-handler, which have resulted in key first downs. Bray Hubbard was another player who faced intense criticism after the season opener when viral clips appeared to show him displaying a lack of effort during the loss. Hubbard quickly won the fans back, recording two interceptions against Wisconsin and forcing a fumble against Georgia that helped seal that victory.
Hubbard leads the Tide in interceptions with three and pass breakups with seven. While his stats may not jump off the page compared to other safeties nationally, his impact is clear when watching the games—he has repeatedly shifted momentum for the defense throughout the season. Another breakout player for the Tide has been wide receiver Germie Bernard.
Bernard transferred from Washington with Coach Kalen DeBoer after his sophomore season and immediately made an impact, leading the team with 50 receptions and finishing second with 794 receiving yards as a junior. He opened the season with eight catches for 146 yards and has remained Simpson’s go-to target in a loaded receiver room, leading the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns with six receiving scores and two rushing. Bernard is an excellent route runner and a dangerous playmaker after the catch.
