Kane Wommack states Alabama is 'really optimistic' about Justin Jefferson returning for 2025

Kane Wommack didn’t mince words about Alabama senior linebacker Justin Jefferson‘s prospects of returning to Tuscaloosa for a rare fifth season in 2025.

“Yeah, we’re looking into those things right now. I think we’re really optimistic about JJ (Jefferson) coming back for next season. It’s something he wants to do,” the first-year Alabama defensive coordinator said Saturday in Tampa ahead of Tuesday’s ReliaQuest Bowl. “So hopefully we’ll have some confirmation on that here sooner than later. But it’s all looking like it’s (headed) in the right direction right now.”

Jefferson qualifies for a fifth season of collegiate eligibility after the NCAA’s recent announcement granting a blanket eligibility waiver for all student-athletes that previously competed at a non-NCAA school or junior college and had otherwise exhausted their four-year eligibility limits. That waiver came down after Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA enforcing eligibility restrictions for seasons spent at the junior college level, effectively allowing Pavia to participate in the 2025 season barring any further legal challenges or appeals.

And while Jefferson has yet to formally announce his intentions to take advantage of that additional year of eligibility, Pavia made it clear Saturday he’s running it back in Nashville next season.

Kane Wommack: Justin Jefferson returning ‘special’ for Alabama defense

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Jefferson began his collegiate career at Pearl River Community College before transferring to Alabama in 2023, where he’s played in 25 games with two starts over the past two seasons in Tuscaloosa.

This season, Jefferson has been clutch as both a key reserve and spot-starter after being elevated to the first-team following junior linebacker Devontae Lawson‘s season-ending injury against Oklahoma. Jefferson, who will start his second-straight game at middle linebacker Tuesday against Michigan, ranks fourth on the Crimson Tide roster with 51 total tackles and third with 5.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two sacks, while mostly working in a key reserve role this season.

By comparison, junior linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Lawson ranked first and second in tackles with 106 and 76, respectively, though both are expected to leave for the NFL as possible first- or second-day picks in next April’s 2025 NFL Draft.

“I think it goes without saying how special that would be for our defense,” Wommack continued. “You know, when you have Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson potentially all walking out the door, and now you’ve got a chance to recoup at least one of those players.”

Kalen DeBoer details what Justin Jefferson brings to Alabama defense

Taking over as Alabama’s on-field defensive conduit is a difficult role, but one first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer feels Jefferson is more than capable of handling.

DeBoer acknowledged Jefferson’s unique play style compared to Lawson, but credited Jefferson’s experience and leadership ability as reasons behind the move.

“Maybe a little different style,” Kalen DeBoer said. “Obviously, stature. You look at that right away, but Justin can run. Justin’s physical. He’s a guy you can count on. He’s really trustworthy. He pours everything into it. He has a team-first mindset.

“Going through spring ball and him trying to figure out his role, I remember talking at the time just — he’s been ready whenever called upon. He’s worked through his things here and there with injuries,” DeBoer continued. “But any guy is looking forward to that moment, and I know that along with the disappointment that we always have and how much we love Deontae, we’re also excited about the next man up and the opportunity that creates for him. We’re all fans of him and want him to go out there and be great and we’re confident in him.”

Dan Morrison contributed to this report.