Alabama football could score at least one win from Diego Pavia. After a federal judge ruled that the Vanderbilt quarterback who helped beat the Crimson Tide was eligible to return for another season, the Crimson Tide could get some roster help for next year.

The ramifications of the ruling, which allowed Pavia to play in 2025 without counting his time playing at a non-NCAA junior college against his eligibility, could give UA linebacker Justin Jefferson another seaon. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said he was feeling good about Jefferson’s potential return on Friday.

“I think we’re really optimistic about JJ coming back for next season, something he wants to do,” Wommack said after UA’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice. “So hopefully we’ll have some confirmation on that sooner than later. But it’s all looking like it’s in the right direction now.”

Besides Jefferson, Alabama has two inside linebackers who could be looking for an NFL future next season. Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell could both be heading out the door, so holding onto Jefferson could fill a hole in the middle of Wommack’s defense.

Jefferson started two games for the Crimson Tide this season. He took over the defense’s helmet communication duties when an injury ended Lawson’s season.

He finished the regular season with 51 tackles, including two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Jefferson joined Alabama out of Pearl River Community College before the 2023 season.

Pavia sued the NCAA earlier this season, claiming the organization’s rule counting his JuCo years against his eligibility violated antitrust laws by restricting his NIL-earning ability. He was granted a preliminary injunction by a federal judge in Tennessee, one that applied only to him for next season.

However, looking to stymie a potential slew of copycat lawsuits, the NCAA granted a waiver for 2025-26 to players who had played a year or more at a JuCo.

Meanwhile, Jefferson and Alabama are practicing for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. That game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium, and will be aired on ESPN.