Alabama News

Keon Sabb made an instinct impact for Alabama football in 2024, but the Michigan transfer didn’t get to finish the season.

Now he’s working his way back to starting again in 2025 at safety.

“I feel really good,” Sabb said after practice Saturday. “(Trainer) Jeff Allen and (strength) coach (David) Ballou did a great job getting me ready for the season. I think I’m really close. I’m really getting there.”

Sabb hasn’t played in a game since the Crimson Tide lost to Tennessee on Oct. 18. He missed the final six games of the season, including the ReliaQuest Bowl, with a lower-body injury.

The Tennessee game was Sabb’s last of 2024, but he was “battling with (the injury) a few weeks before that.”

“The Tennessee game ended up being the last straw for it,” Sabb said.

But Sabb’s absence presented an opportunity for Bray Hubbard to step into the starting lineup next to captain Malachi Moore and gain valuable experience. With Moore off to the NFL with the New York Jets this season, Hubbard is back alongside Sabb as the likely starters.

Now the key is getting Sabb fully healthy.

“I think he’s ahead of really every marker we had in the offseason for him,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “We weren’t sure if he was going to be able to go to the level he’s going right now at the beginning of fall camp, but he is. He’s here.”

Sabb was seen going through drills with the other safeties without restrictions during the 15 minutes of practice open to reporters. But none of the drills were 11 on 11 or involved any form of full contact.

“He’s out there playing with our guys,” Wommack said. “He’s comfortable enough to be able to do that. Sometimes those injuries, you’ve got to build a callous of coming back. And I think that’s something he’s really pushing himself right now to get ready for the season.”

Sabb joined the Crimson Tide in the offseason preceding the 2024 season, transferring over from Michigan. Then Sabb became a starter and was productive right away. He had two interceptions in the first game against Western Kentucky.

By the time he was out for the year following the Tennessee game, Sabb had tallied 39 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Auburn football wrapped up its first week of fall camp with a Saturday morning practice inside Jordan-Hare stadium.

Several players were limited during the session, with starting running backs Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb among those seeing reduced time, adding to the growing list of Tigers dealing with injuries one week into fall camp.

On Wednesday, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze reported that Cobb had suffered a fractured finger. Saturday marked Cobb’s second day in a non-contact jersey, though he was still able to catch passes during some practice periods.

Alston suffered a heel bruise that limited most of his day. Durell Robinson and Omar Mabson II took the majority of first and second team repetitions in their absence.

“[Damari Alston] is just dealing with a little heel bruise. I think he’ll be fine and ready to go,” Freeze said after practice. “[Jeremiah Cobb], they did not have to do surgery on it, which is a blessing. We just don’t need to get that thing hit right now. So, we obviously believe in those two.”

On the defensive side of the ball, several players were also limited or absent from practice.

Tulane transfer cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant didn’t practice, as he’s dealing with a sprained ankle. Freshman Donavan Starr was also in a non-contact jersey for the second straight practice.

Champ Anthony, who is recovering from a leg injury suffered last season, took a few reps but was limited for most of the day, though coaches noted he is making progress in his rehabilitation.

Defensive tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis returned to practice after missing Thursday’s session due to a personal matter.

“[Rayshawn Pleasant] has a sprained ankle. Don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. The X-rays were good. Couldn’t go today,” Freeze added. “[Bobby Jamison-Travis] had a deal with his daughter he missed, but he’s back now.”

The Tigers will return to practice next week for the second week of fall camp, with their season opener against Baylor scheduled for August 29th.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].

Auburn football enters 2025 with a defensive line that’s both deep and young.

The Tigers signed four freshmen up front ahead of the 2025 season, and head coach Hugh Freeze seems to be impressed with the group early on, using one particular word to describe them.

The fast-food joint Del Taco was ranked the best in the country in a USA Today contest.

Alabamians can find Del Taco locations in Huntsville, Opelika and Phenix City.

The restaurant also was awarded the winner of the best fast-food fries in the reader’s choice awards for 2025. Del Taco was runner-up for best fast-food breakfast.

Del Taco serves Mexican food and burgers, along with breakfast. It has a separate vegetarian and vegan menu.

Other chains that made the top 10 rankings for best fast-food restaurants include Jack in the Box for at No. 2 and A&W in the third spot. Chick-fil-A came in fourth.

There are no Jack in the Box or A&W restaurants in Alabama.

Here are the rankings in order:

1. Del Taco
2. Jack in the Box
3. A&W
4. Chick-fil-A
5. Wendy’s
6. KFC
7. Taco Bell
8. Raising Cane’s
9. Zaxby’s
10. McDonald’s

A list of restaurants were compiled by a group of editors at USA Today and a panel of experts. Readers determined the winners.

As Kalen DeBoer enters his second season as Alabama football’s head coach, things are a bit more settled. The coaching staff doesn’t have to worry about a 21-day window where every player could enter the transfer portal while the Crimson Tide couldn’t replenish the roster, and can coach a bit harder without thinking so much about retention.

That’s trickled down to the players. According to defensive end LT Overton, DeBoer has told the veterans on the team to exert themselves more as leaders.

The Hallmark Channel’s latest romance collection, Providence Falls, premieres on the network Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8/7c.

Those looking to check out the three-part special can stream the premiere live through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Providence Falls about?

Providence Falls follows Cora (Katie Stevens), a new police detective, who partners up with visiting detective Liam (Lachlan Quarmby) on her first case. Along the way, Cora discovers that Liam is her reincarnated love who’s here to change her fate.

Throughout the following two parts, Liam hides his love for Cora and pushes her toward DA Finn Walsh (Evan Roderick), her fated match, in order to change their destinies, but in the end, Cora and Liam cannot remain apart and take their fate into their own hands.

Episode release schedule

Cord cutters looking to watch all three parts of Hallmark’s Providence Falls can stream part one on Aug. 2, with the second and third parts set to debut on the network soon after on Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 respectively.

How to watch Providence Falls without cable

Those looking to watch the upcoming collection through a streaming platform can find the series available on the streaming platforms listed below.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is Fubo?

Although primarily known as one of the most popular sports-focused streaming platforms, Fubo offers its subscribers much more than just sports related content. Fubo users can access over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, MTV and more.

Subscribers can also enjoy a plethora of on-demand content in the form of hit TV shows and blockbuster movies and gain access to useful features such as the unlimited DVR feature.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like the Hallmark Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

The Atlanta Braves play against the Cincinnati Reds in the MLB Speedway Classic today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Fubo TV offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Braves have struggled this season, as they currently sit near the bottom of the National League East.

In order to turn things around tonight, the Braves will need a great performance from their star player Matt Olson. He has led the team in home runs and RBI for most of the season, so he will try to continue his great offensive play this evening.

The Reds enter this matchup with a record above .500, and they are only a few games away from a National League Wild Card spot.

In order to win the MLB Speedway Classic, the Reds will need to rely on their star player Elly De La Cruz. He currently leads the Cincinnati offense in home runs, RBI, and batting average.

If De La Cruz continues to play well tonight, then the Reds will be a difficult team to beat.

Fans can watch the MLB Speedway Classic for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Fubo TV offers a first-month discount to new users.

The brand new travel series 1,000 Ways to Dine drops on A&E with a four-episode premiere Sunday, Aug. 3 at 7 A.M. (Central Time).

Cord cutters hoping to catch the latest travel series from A&E can stream 1,000 Ways to Dine through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is 1,000 Ways to Dine about?

Hosted by actor and comedian Michael Yo, 1,000 Ways to Dine goes off the beaten path to showcase the most exciting, unique and outrageously delicious restaurants in the world.

Throughout the show, Yo takes viewers on a tour of some of the most unusual dining establishments on earth—where the food is just one part of the experience.

From a Colorado speakeasy 21 stories below ground to high tea in a treetop in Thailand, these unforgettable hot spots won’t just tickle your tastebuds, they’ll leave all your senses buzzing.

Episode release schedule

Though scheduled for bright and early in the morning, 1,000 Ways to Dine is set to make waves on A&E as four new episodes release back-to-back on Sundays beginning at 7 A.M. (Central Time) until the debut season finale drops on Sunday, Aug. 17.

How to watch 1,000 Ways to Dine without cable

Those looking to enjoy the series without the hassle of traditional cable can find the show available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV and Sling.

Out of the three streaming services listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like A&E. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

Auburn football completed its third practice of preseason camp Saturday morning with an open session inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

There’s still a long way to go before Auburn takes the field against Baylor on Aug. 29, but Saturday was an extended chance to get a look at the Tigers in the first week of camp.

Here’s a recap of everything Freeze said following Saturday afternoon’s below:

• Freeze said Damari Alston is dealing with a bruised heel, which is why he was limited in Saturday’s practice. Added that Jeremiah Cobb’s fractured finger did not require surgery
• Still talking about the running backs, Freeze highlighted freshman Omar Mabson as someone who has stood out
• Freeze described the young defensive linemen as disruptive, praising the group
• Freeze on Florida A&M transfer James Ash: “Once he learns what to do, he is heavy handed.”
• Freeze said they’ve “added great depth” at corner and wants competition at the position
• Freeze gives a shoutout to offensive coordinator Derrick Nix for his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Said he wishes he could be there for the ceremony
• Freeze said Rayshawn Pleasant missed practice due to a sprained ankle, but said it’s not anything to be concerned by
• Freeze complimented the performances from Deuce Knight and Ashton Daniels, but said they need to clean up plays like the interception late in practice