Alabama football could get at least one win against 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 receive roster support for next year.

The impact of the ruling, which allowed Pavia to play in 2025 without his time playing at a non-NCAA junior college counting toward his eligibility, could give UA linebacker Justin Jefferson another season. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said he was pleased with Jefferson’s possible return Friday.

“I think we’re really optimistic that JJ will come back next season, which he’ll be happy to do,” Wommack said after UA’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice. “Hopefully we will receive confirmation on this sooner or later. But now it looks like everything is going in the right direction.”

In addition to 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 sticking with 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 communications duties when an injury ended Lawson’s season.

He finished the regular season with 51 tackles, including two sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss. The 1.90 meter tall, 100 kilogram Jefferson transferred from Pearl River Community College to Alabama before the 2023 season.

Pavia sued the NCAA earlier this season, claiming that the organization’s rule counting his JuCo years toward his eligibility violated antitrust laws by limiting his ability to earn NIL. A federal judge in Tennessee granted him a temporary restraining order that applied only to him through the next season.

However, to prevent a possible flood of copycat lawsuits, the NCAA granted waivers for 2025-26 to players who had played a year or more at a JuCo.

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