Justin Jefferson Cried When he Learned he Could Return to Alabama

Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson told the Crimson Tide Sports Network that he should be healthy when the Tide starts Summer workouts in June.

“My focus is going to be on keeping in shape, keeping my head in the game because we’re on an off break and I’m coming off an injury,” Jefferson said. “So I’m really going hard physically, mentally, so as soon as we hit the summer, it’s just going straight to fall camp, straight into Tallahassee.”

However, Jefferson didn't know he'd be able to return to the Tide until Christmas 2024.

Jefferson participated in Alabama's senior day ceremony, believing that the 2024 Iron Bowl would be his final game in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and 2024 would be his last season as a college football player. However, Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA opened the door for another season.

Pavia sued the NCAA, claiming his season in JUCO should not count towards his four seasons of eligibility. Pavia was granted an injunction that gave him an extra season.

Jefferson started his college career at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. He transferred to Alabama in 2023, totaling four tackles and one forced fumble in four games of action. In 2024, he stepped into a bigger role as the third "starting quality" linebacker for Alabama. He stepped in for an injured Deontae Lawson during the Tide's loss to Oklahoma. On the season, Jefferson totaled 61 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup.

Both are back for their fifth seasons.

Jefferson officially announced he was returning to Alabama on January 4 with a post to his social media account. In the post, he said, "I would also like to thank the people who fought to help junior college student-athletes earn an extra year of eligibility."

"Coach [Kane Wommack] called me and was like, 'Man, I didn't want to call you and tell you anything until I knew it was for real, but you're able to come back,'" Jefferson said. "And I just started crying because I knew what it was. There was no doubt in my mind (about) coming back and doing it one more time. A little more experience. I feel like it's going to be pretty fun."

Alabama opens the 2025 season on August 30 at Florida State.

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_.