Justin Jefferson Will Return for the 2025 Season

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- On Saturday, Alabama Football announced via X that seasoned linebacker Justin Jefferson will be returning for the 2025 season. Jefferson was granted an additional year of eligibility after Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia paved the way for JUCO athletes to gain more eligibility.

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Jefferson joined the Crimson Tide in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He was a unanimous four-star recruit who was also considered the second-ranked junior college recruit by all major outlets. In the 2023 season with the Crimson Tide, he recorded four total tackles, three solo, one assist, and one forced fumble, which was only the beginning for the stellar linebacker.

In the 2024 season, Jefferson blossomed into an even more defensive addition for the Crimson Tide as he saw the field in 12 games, where he was a starter for three.  He recorded 61 total tackles, 28 solo, 33 assists, one pass deflection, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Additionally, he would later become the green dot for the Crimson Tide defense after veteran linebacker Deontae Lawson suffered a season-ending injury against Oklahoma.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack previously expressed optimism about Jefferson returning to the Crimson Tide next season. With the return of Jefferson, he is expected to have an even bigger role in the 2025 season.

Jefferson will join defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, and LT Overton, as they have decided to return to college football for another season instead of declaring for the 2025 National Football League Draft.