Justin Jefferson reveals when he learned about extra year of eligibility at Alabama
Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson received a unique Christmas gift this past year.
Jefferson went through Alabama’s Senior Day ceremony believing this would be his last season as a college football player, but the NCAA’s ruling opened the door for one more year. He has Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to thank, as Pavia sued the NCAA that his season at JUCO should not count. He was granted an injunction that extended his eligibility.
Jefferson publicly announced he would be returning to Tuscaloosa for a fifth and final season in 2025 on January 4, but he revealed this week that he found out the news on Christmas Day.
“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 told the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “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.”
Was it the best Christmas present the Alabama linebacker has ever received?
“It was a pretty good Christmas, for sure,” said Jefferson with a smile.
Jefferson began his college career at Pearl River Community College before transferring to Alabama in 2023. He has spent the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa and played in 12 of the Crimson Tide’s games last fall, making three starts. Jefferson opened the 2024 campaign as UA’s No. 3 off-ball linebacker but stepped into the starting lineup after Deontae Lawson’s season-ending injury. Both ‘backers are back for their fifth seasons.
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Jefferson was limited by an injury during spring practice but should be good to go this summer. He is ready to get back on the field when Alabama begins summer workouts next month.
“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.”
Alabama will kick off the 2025 season at Florida State on August 30 at 2:30 p.m. CT (ABC).
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