Former Alabama captain has high praise for a position group that was a mainstay in terms of production during the Nick Saban era

Former Alabama Crimson Tide captain Christian Miller has his eye on one position group that could bring the Crimson Tide over the top in 2026.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zabien Brown (2) eludes a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the first half at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zabien Brown (2) eludes a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the first half at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When Nick Saban was the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, beyond being in the running to compete at the highest level year after year, you knew that the defensive backfield was going to be among both the deepest and the best in the country.

With Kalen DeBoer, an offensive-minded head coach, that same thing can be said for the offensive side of the football when it comes to the quarterback position. But if you listen to Christian Miller, Alabama’s secondary may be on its way back.

Facts about Alabama’s 2026 secondary

  • All five starters will be returning from 2025.
  • It will be year 3 of Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 swarm.
  • Alabama safety Ivan Taylor is the son of Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor

Christian Miller believes Alabama’s secondary could be among the best in the country

“I think they’re probably one of the deepest secondaries in the country,” Miller told On3. “With that, I think they have the potential to be one of the top units in the country from outside in. You look at the corner, Zabien Brown, I think he’s going to be a Day 1 pick, or at least has the potential to be one this next year.”

“(Dijon) Lee, he’s got all the potential in the world. Really lengthy cornerback. That’s honestly one thing that sticks out to me. This is probably one of the tallest secondary groups that I’ve really ever seen. They’ve got a handful of guys that are 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4. They bring in Carmelo O’Neal, who’s also 6-4, and he’s done some good stuff this spring.”

While Miller would go to talk about the safeties, that’s where Alabama has the chance to really shine on the backend. The fact that the Crimson Tide returned both Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb is quietly not being talked about enough.

If you look at the starting five of Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee, Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, and then Red Morgan at star, they could do some real damage in Tuscaloosa in 2026. The last time this Crimson Tide had a secondary this deep, it was 2020.

That happens to be the last time the capstone hoisted a national championship.

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