Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson announces return for 2025 season

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson will return to Tuscaloosa for the 2025 season, he announced via Instagram on Saturday night. Linebacker may have been a position of question for Kalen DeBoer entering the offseason but a few guys coming back have quickly changed things.

Lawson is a big return for the program, being a true leader up the middle of the 2025 defense.

“I want to thank God for putting me in the position I am today,” Lawson said in a statement. “Without Him, none of my successes would be possible. His timing is perfect and I trust that He knows what is best for me.

“I have not had the easiest road to get where I am but I would have not been able to make it this far without my family. They have been my #1 support system each and every day, and I am truly blessed to have them to keep me pushing forward through all the ups and down along this journey. The have consistently told me they love me and believe in me, no matter what decision I make.

“And it is at this point that I have to make a decision my future. The University of Alabama has been home for the last four years, and I cannot imagine a better place to learn and grow on the way to graduating while working toward a master’s degree.

“This program and the staff have been like a second family to me. The opportunity I have been given to play for Coach Saban and Coach DeBoer is a blessing. I want to finish what I started from the day I stepped foot on campus, and that includes winning a national championship.

“While I will always have love for Mobile, Tuscaloosa has become a second home and I’m not ready to leave. I will do everything in my power to help the 2025 group live up to the Bama Standard, and I look forward to leading this team next season.”

Lawson was a key figure in the Alabama defense for most of the 2024 season, playing middle linebacker. However, in the blowout loss to Oklahoma, Lawson suffered a significant leg injury. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the year, missing the Iron Bowl vs. Auburn and the recent bowl game against Michigan.

Getting back to full health will be Lawson’s primary focus for the time being. But when the ’25 opener against Florida State rolls around, the linebacker is hoping to be ready to go.