Alabama Crimson Tide receives best news of the transfer portal window following return of two critical starters on defense
Alabama returned two prominent starters on Wednesday.
The deadline to declare for the NFL Draft was Wednesday, Jan 14. While we knew Ty Simpson was heading to the league for some time, he confirmed what was first reported by A to Z Sports Alabama, that other teams were pushing hard to get him to return to college.
But Simpson wasn’t the only player looking to make a jump to the league. Bray Hubbard decided to return to Alabama despite notable draft consideration, and after Wednesday, his running mate is back, and arguably the most important defender for 2026.
Keon Sabb and Yhonzae Pierre are returning to Alabama
“Alabama standout safety Keon Sabb and Bama star edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre are both currently expected to return to college for another season instead of leaving for the NFL, sources tell CBS Sports. Both have been viewed as Day 2 NFL draft prospects.” – Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports
To have the duo of Sabb and Hubbard back at safety is no small feat. While the turnover along the defensive line and at the second level is remarkable, the secondary will now return all four starters, giving Alabama a significant boost heading into 2026.
However, there may not have been a more impactful outcome from this portal window than Pierre’s return. As sources told A to Z Sports months ago, Pierre went from being on no one’s radar to potentially being a first-round pick had he declared. He was the best pass rusher for the Crimson Tide in 2025, and he looks to be the same in 2026. For more on the return of these starters, here is A to Z Sports Alabama contributor Josh Taylor.
Why Keon Sabb and Yhonzae Pierre are so important
“Sabb coming back with Hubbard gives Alabama one of the best and most experienced safety duos in the nation. Alabama will have almost a brand new front seven, and having that safety blanket on the backend will give DC Kane Wommack a group to rely on while the defensive line meshes together early in the season. People talk about the pass rush helping the secondary, but two ball hawks in the secondary also help the defensive line with coverage sacks. The Crimson Tide could’ve easily lost both Hubbard and Sabb, but both are back to finish strong.
“Pierre came in for an injured Russaw, and became an instant playmaker and potential top-100 pick in the draft with eight sacks. Alabama will need him to set the tone up front and get to the quarterback again in 2026, and who knows what his ceiling is with a full offseason as the starter. It wouldn’t surprise me if we talk about Pierre as a sure first-rounder next season after an even bigger final year with the Crimson Tide.”
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