TAMPA, Fla. – The NCAA’s decision to appeal Diego Pavia The court ruling has paved the way for hundreds of former junior college players to extend their careers for another year.

Including one from Alabama.

On Monday, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors granted “a waiver allowing student-athletes who have attended and competed at a non-NCAA school for one or more years to remain eligible and compete in the 2025-26 year.” “If these student-athletes had done so, they would have used their final competitive season for other purposes in the 2024-25 academic year,” according to Yahoo! Sport.

The decision impacts Alabama linebacker Justin Jeffersona Crimson Tide senior who began his college career at Pearl River Community College before transferring to Alabama in 2023. Jefferson has spent the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa, appearing in 11 games so far for the Tide and making two starts at inside linebacker heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl.

On Friday, Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said Alabama is looking into the matter.

“I think we’re really optimistic that JJ will come back next season,” Wommack said. “It’s something he wants to do. Hopefully we’ll get confirmation here sooner or later, but at the moment everything looks like it’s going in the right direction.”

Jefferson opened the 2024 season as Alabama’s No. 3 off-ball linebacker behind Deontae Lawson And Jihad Campbell but played many first team snaps. When Lawson was sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, Jefferson stepped into the starting lineup and filled his void as the defense’s signal-caller, wearing the green dot helmet to communicate.

Jefferson attended Alabama’s Senior Day ceremony believing this would be his final season as a college football player, but the NCAA’s decision opened the door for another year. He has Pavia, the Vanderbilt quarterback, to thank as Pavia sued the NCAA saying his JUCO season shouldn’t count. He was granted a temporary restraining order extending his eligibility.

It sounds like Alabama is hoping to do the same for Jefferson, which would be big news. The Tide will likely lose Campbell to the NFL Draft and Lawson has not yet announced his plans for the 2025 season. Alabama has signed Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill Green and three prep linebackers for next year, but Jefferson’s experience would be a welcome return.

“I think it goes without saying how special this would be for our defense with Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson potentially all walking out the door,” Wommack said, “and now at least you have a chance to bounce back .” one of these players.”

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