Alabama football safety announces return for 2025 season. What we know

Posted by author January 7, 2025 Football

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On Nov. 18, when Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed safety Keon Sabb would be out for the remainder of the 2024 season, DeBoer said he expected it would not be the last game for Sabb in a Crimson Tide uniform.

“We expect him back and ready to roll for next year, of course,” DeBoer said.

On Tuesday, Sabb made that return official, announcing on social media his intention to return for his senior season.

“This past year with the Crimson Tide has been special to me,” Sabb wrote in a statement. “Since stepping foot on campus, Alabama has felt like home. I have met so many great people and grown significantly, but I feel like there’s more left for me here.

“This season ended early for me and it did not finish the way any of us wanted. I have a lot left to help this team accomplish, and I look forward to leading this 2025 group. I cannot wait to get back on the field and start working towards our ultimate goal of winning a national championship.”

Midway through the second quarter of the Crimson Tide‘s loss to Tennessee on Oct. 19, Sabb hobbled off the field, helped by trainers. Sabb’s left leg was wrapped on the sideline. He returned to the game in the second half, and played 30 snaps overall.

After the injury against Tennessee, DeBoer said Sabb had surgery and was away from the team for a few days, but has played a role in the defensive backs room throughout his recovery.

“He’s a guy that has really grown relationships with the team,” DeBoer said. “We want him around here. He’s one of those guys, just like the others that are done for the year, too, that care so much about the team. And we care about him.”

Sabb finished his first season with Alabama with 39 tackles, two interceptions and four pass deflections in seven games.

Sabb is expected to start next to Bray Hubbard, who had 57 tackles, two pass deflections and three interceptions in place of Sabb, in 2025.

Alabama opens its 2025 season Aug. 30 against Florida State.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.