We think Zabien Brown is the best cornerback in the country, hands down. Brown broke out as a true freshman with a game-saving interception against Georgia and has been making critical stops ever since, not the least of which was a 99-yard pick-six against Tennessee just before the half in Alabama's 2025 win. There isn't a single attribute at which Brown isn't better than average, including height, and in most cases, he's the one setting the bar. Sure, he could stand to have a couple more inches on his frame, but even the biggest receivers struggle to get separation from him. He's arguably Alabama's best player regardless of position, and barring injury, will be a high draft pick next April.

A preview into the top 4 teams in the SEC: Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, and Alabama. UGA's offensive line is a veteran unit overall and the younger players are among the best prospects at their position. The running game isn't going to blow anyone away but it's still one of the best in the league. QB Gunner Stockton is sort of a mixed bag, but veteran game managers in the SEC have a consistent track record of exceeding expectations in their senior years and head coach Kirby Smart thinks Stockton is primed for such a year. The consistency of philosophy also means Georgia won't take as long to come together as other teams will, especially in the current environment where rosters turn over almost every season.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.