| June 26, 2025 | Tuscaloosa, AL
They don’t always make the highlight reels. You won’t see them on SportsCenter. But to Coach DeBoer, to their teammates, and to anyone who knows what it truly takes to win at Alabama, theirs is the unsung story of grit, balance, and sacrifice.
Meet this week’s Roll Tide Student-Athletes of the Week:
@olausalinen, @zabienb, and @qb_reese86—a dynamic trio rewriting the narrative of what it means to be both champion and scholar at Alabama.
This isn’t just about stats, GPAs, or classroom glory. It’s about heart—the moments unseen by the cheering masses. And what they’ve accomplished is nothing short of legendary.
Ola Salinen: The Finance Phenom with a Football Grip
In the weight room, Ola might bench press the same as the quarterback. But in ECON 305, he’s lifting an equally heavy load: maintaining a 4.0 GPA while leading the defensive line in strength benchmarks.
Last Friday, the defensive end isn’t on the field—he’s in a pocket calculator, catching every concept of corporate finance with surgical precision.
Now, let’s layer in this: three sacks against ranked opponents, two academic presentations delivered flawlessly, and an internship offer from a top-tier investment firm.
What’s the result?
A man who studies film at 6 a.m., hits the books from 9 to noon, and still has enough left to dominate on Saturday.
Thank you, Ola Salinen. You remind us that greatness isn’t born—it’s built, rep by rep, page by page.
✍️ ZABIEN B.: The Art Major Who’s Also Mastering the Chalkboard and the Field
You might catch Zabien in Moody Music Hall, sketch pad in hand, capturing light and shadow like he’s painting a legacy.
Art isn’t all he masters—he’s balancing a 3.9 GPA in graphic design with 100+ receiving yards this week, mentoring middle schoolers, and designing community murals.
That mural? Painted in his hometown, depicting opportunity and perseverance—fitting themes for a kid who juggles half a dozen roles with effortless grace.
From creative lab to field drills to gallery showings, Zabien’s raw yet refined. He’s unstoppable. And he proves that artistry and athletics aren’t enemies—they’re wings.
QB_Reese86: From the Huddle to the Honors List
His name is REESE CANNON—hitting post routes one minute, writing policy papers the next.
Major: Political Science 3.8 GPA
On-field role: Third-team quarterback, standout communicator and scout-team leader
Outreach: Volunteer coordinator for local tutoring programs
Reese isn’t in the starting role—yet. But what he lacks in game reps, he makes up for with leadership.
He’s the first in film sessions, the last to leave the study hall, and the glue in every QB room.
And just this week, he landed a coveted summer internship: drafting grant proposals for nonprofit educational access.
What’s harder than reading defenses? Changing lives. He does both.
WHAT BINDS THIS TRIO TOGETHER: The Alabama Blueprint
There’s five pillars written on the walls of Bryant-Denny:
1. Student
2. Athlete
3. Leader
4. Citizen
5. Competitor
Ola, Zabien, and Reese check every box. And they remind us: at Alabama, the field isn’t the only place we raise standards.
These three don’t just chase gold medals. They chase gold standards in life.
Their stories aren’t only inspiring—they’re contagious. Because when your teammates preach success in the classroom and the athletic arena, they don’t just inspire—they elevate the entire program.
THE TIDE EFFECT
Here’s what’s happening right now:
Recruits are taking notes. They see the message, it’s not a football factory, it’s a human factory.
Teammates are stepping up. It’s no longer enough to just play: you’ve gotta represent.
Fans are paying attention. They know championships aren’t won on stats alone—but on values.
The Ripple That Matters
These elite student-athletes might not make national headlines… yet, however, give it a season.
A career.
A legacy.
Because if they water the culture now, soon enough we’ll watch recruits and stars arrive, not just for fame—but to pick up the banner this trio is carrying:
A banner that reads: Roll Tide, in the classroom, in the community, and in character.
Final Thought
In 2025, Alabama isn’t just redefining college football.
It’s redefining what it means to be a student-athlete.
And with leaders like Ola, Zabien, and Reese, the horizon isn’t just bright—it’s blinding.
Because with them, greatness is never optional, It’s written in ink and etched in spirit.
So: Roll Tide—winners on the field, scholars in the halls, and champions for life.
