Alabama football will have one of its veterans back, thanks in part to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.

Linebacker Justin Jefferson announced Saturday that he will stay for one more season with the Crimson Tide, made possible by a court ruling that allows junior college players to get one more year of eligibility. Pavia had challenged the NCAA with a lawsuit that resulted in a temporary injunction. While that case continues, the NCAA decided to provide waivers to athletes who have competed at non-NCAA schools for one more year of eligibility in 2025-26. Jefferson is one of those players, having played for Pearl River Community College.

His eligibility was set to expire after this season. But now he can play one more season at the college level.

“Thank you God for allowing me to play this game I love,” Jefferson wrote in his Instagram post statement. “Thank you to my family, friends and teammates for always supporting me along this football journey. Thank you to Coach Saban for taking a chance on me, and thank you to Coach DeBoer for helping me grow this season.

“I would also like to thank the people who fought to help junior college student-athletes earn an extra year of eligibility. Without this legislation, I would not be able to continue playing the game I love at the University I love. Alabama is a special place to me, and I cannot wait to return for the 2025 season.”

Jefferson joins Tim Keenan III and LT Overton as defensive players with remaining eligibility who have announced they will stay for another season.

Jefferson rotated in at inside linebacker behind Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson. In that role this season, Jefferson tallied 61 tackles with one pass breakup, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Campbell won’t be back in 2025 as he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. So Alabama has at least one opening on the inside. Deontae Lawson has not yet revealed his plans for 2025, but he could still be back. Meanwhile, Alabama added Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green from the transfer portal.

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