How a 2025 Diego Pavia ruling might benefit an Alabama football linebacker
Diego Pavia might give Alabama football at least one victory. The Crimson Tide may receive some roster support for the upcoming season after a federal judge decided that the Vanderbilt quarterback who assisted in defeating the team was eligible to return for another season.
UA linebacker Justin Jefferson may receive another season as a result of the verdict, which permitted Pavia to play in 2025 without counting his time spent playing at a non-NCAA junior college against his eligibility. Kane Wommack, the defensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, expressed optimism regarding Jefferson’s possible comeback on Friday.
Following UA’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice, Wommack stated, “I think we’re really optimistic about JJ coming back for next season, something he wants to do.” Therefore, ideally, we’ll have some confirmation on that as soon as possible. However, everything currently appears to be moving in the correct way.
Two of Alabama’s inside linebackers, in addition to Jefferson, may be searching for an NFL career next season. Holding onto Jefferson might bridge the gap in Wommack’s defense since both Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson may be leaving.
This season, Jefferson made two starts for the Crimson Tide. After Lawson’s season ended due to an injury, he assumed responsibility for helmet communication for the defense.
He recorded 51 tackles, including two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, at the end of the regular season. Prior to the 2023 season, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Jefferson transferred from Pearl River Community College to Alabama.
Earlier this season, Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that the organization’s decision to deduct his JuCo years against his eligibility restricted his potential to earn NIL, in violation of antitrust rules. A federal judge in Tennessee granted him a preliminary injunction that only applied to him for the upcoming season.
However, the NCAA gave players who had played a year or more at a JuCo a waiver for 2025–2026 in an effort to thwart a possible wave of copycat cases.
In the meantime, Alabama and Jefferson are getting ready for their matchup with Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. ESPN will broadcast that game, which is set to begin at Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CT.
