Alabama football could have a key piece of the defense back for 2025.

Justin Jefferson, because of a court ruling around junior college players, can have one more year of eligibility to play if he so chooses.

Has that decision been made if he will use it?

“I’ll let him make the announcement,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday. “I know he was pretty excited to hear about the opportunity if that can give you an indication kind of where his head’s at. We’ve had the talks. Pretty confident he’s excited to continue to play college football. Nothing official has been said, but that was certainly a big announcement around Christmas there. Good Christmas present for him. Good Christmas present for us for sure.”

The Crimson Tide could use a veteran linebacker for 2025. Starters Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson haven’t yet made their NFL Draft decisions known, but one or both could head to the league.

Jefferson has rotated in on the defense in 2024, tallying 26 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. He joined Alabama ahead of the 2023 season from Pear River Community College.

Alabama will face Michigan at 11 a.m. CT on Tuesday in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.