2026 Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List
The 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive back, has released its preseason watch list, featuring 35 standout players from across the country. The list, announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association, serves as an early barometer for the award’s finalists, who will be narrowed to 15 semifinalists on Oct. 27 and three finalists on Nov. 24 before the winner is revealed on Dec. 11 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
Among the recognized defenders is Alabama sophomore cornerback Zabien Brown, who burst onto the scene with a series of highlight‑reel plays in the 2025 season. Brown recorded 39 tackles, six pass breakups and two pick‑six touchdowns, helping anchor a secondary that consistently disrupted opposing offenses.
Senior safety Bray Hubbard, a three‑year starter and recent All‑America selection, brings a blend of experience and playmaking ability to the mix. Hubbard’s 79 total tackles, four interceptions and leadership in the locker room have drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike, positioning him as a key figure in Alabama’s defensive resurgence.
Alabama’s Defensive Legacy
Alabama’s pedigree with the Thorpe Award adds extra intrigue to the preseason buzz. The Crimson Tide have produced two former winners — Antonio Langham in 1993 and Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2017 — setting a high bar for current candidates eager to etch their names into the program’s defensive lore.
The upcoming award ceremony on Dec. 11 will not only crown this year’s top defensive back but also celebrate the broader impact of the sport’s rising stars. As the season unfolds, Brown and Hubbard will look to translate their preseason accolades into on‑field dominance that could once again put Alabama at the forefront of the conversation.