Alabama Sophomore Linebacker Cayden Jones Announces Return to Tuscaloosa

According to the Crimson Tide's NIL collective, Yea Alabama, Crimson Tide second-year linebacker Cayden Jones will return to the Crimson Tide for his third year in Tuscaloosa.

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Jones was ranked as a three-star linebacker prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, being graded as the No. 49 overall linebacker and the No. 15 player in the state of North Carolina. He committed to the Crimson Tide on April 21, 2023, and chose Alabama over the Michigan Wolverines, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the USC Trojans.

Jones has appeared in 21 games during his two-year tenure with the Crimson Tide. In 2024, he played primarily on special teams in 11 games for Alabama, totaling six tackles and a pass breakup. In 2025, he saw action in nine games but suffered a lower-body injury that sidelined him for four games. Despite the injury, he still spent time on special teams and defense, totaling eight tackles, one quarterback hurry, and one fumble recovery for Alabama.

Jones' return helps keep valuable reps on the Alabama defense after the Crimson Tide lost its top three from a season ago: Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green. All three are out of eligibility after the 2025 season.

He's the fifth player to officially announce his return to the Crimson Tide, joining offensive lineman Michael Carroll, quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, and defensive back Red Morgan.

The transfer portal opened on Friday, January 2, and will remain open for 15 days, until January 16.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.