Alabama linebacker looking to give back to game after graduating

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled in the backfield by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama linebacker, Justin Jefferson is one of 28 Crimson Tide football players who graduated in the Winter. Jefferson talked to reporters Friday about what it means to him and what he envisions for himself after he’s done playing football.

Jefferson is originally from Memphis, but he moved on to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi after he was unable to gain much traction in high school in Tennessee. After a successful season at Pearl River, he began to receive national attention.

86 tackles, two sacks and an interception earned him notice from schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, Florida and Texas A&M, but he ultimately chose the Tide as the No. 1-ranked JUCO linebacker in 2023.

Now, he’s become part of a strong Alabama defensive unit, one that’s now set to face Oklahoma for the second time this season in the First Round of the College Football Playoffs. But graduation on Saturday came first.

“It means a lot,” Jefferson said. “I just read in the Bible, when good stuff happens, you don’t want to become proud about it. So, I’m not going to just become proud. But, I just feel like, a guy from where I’m from, doing this, it’s just a blessing, I can’t do nothing but give the glory to God.”

Jefferson also told reporters about what he sees himself doing when his playing career is over.

“I’m getting my master’s in sports management,” Jefferson said. “And when I’m done playing football, hopefully, I can have kids, I can coach my son. I can coach Little League, all the way up to, I want to stop at high school, though. I feel like it’s too much in college football… Hopefully, I’ve done everything I need to; I don’t need any big bucks.”

Hopefully, Alabama fans will get to see Jefferson playing on Sundays in the future, and maybe making his mark as a coach in the future, too. But right now, he and the rest of the defense will need to focus on what’s next: Oklahoma.

Jefferson has been a key player in the Tide’s stifling defense, recording 38 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He’ll do everything he can to ensure that he makes his mark and that the Tide’s season doesn’t come to a close when it faces the Sooners on Friday, but there’s no doubt that it will be a tough challenge playing in a cold Gaylord Stadium on a Friday night.