Alabama sacks leader Yhonzae Pierre to forgo NFL Draft, return to team

Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) fights off a block by LSU offensive lineman Carius Curne (57) to sack LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) for a loss at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama’s sacks leader is staying put in Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s NIL collective announced Wednesday night that edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre will be returning to the team for the coming season. Pierre, a rising redshirt junior, did not enter his name in the NFL Draft. 

Alabama also announced Pierre will switch his number from 42 to 0, taking the jersey previously worn by departing linebacker Deontae Lawson.

“My brother built the 0 legacy,” Pierre said through a post from Alabama’s NIL collective.  “I’m grateful for the chance to carry it forward. Let’s get it.”

During his debut season as a starter last year, Pierre led the Crimson Tide with 8.0 sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss and nine quarterback hurries over 15 games. The Eufaula, Alabama native recorded 52 total stops and forced three fumbles. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Pierre recorded a team-high 66.3 pass-rushing grade, leading the Tide with 45 total pressures. That’s nearly twice as many as LT Overton, who finished second on the list with 25. 

Pierre earned Bednarik Award Player of the Week honors following Alabama’s win over Tennessee. During that game, he tallied career highs with six tackles and three sacks. His three sacks were the most by a Tide defender since Christian Harris also recorded three sacks during the 2022 national championship game. 

Had Pierre elected to declare for the draft, he was projected to be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed him as the No. 5 outside linebacker in this year’s class. 

Pierre’s decision to return is a nice boost for an Alabama defense that is losing 19 sacks from last season due to the departures of LT Overton (eligibiltiy expired), Justin Jefferson (eligibilty expired), Keon Keeley (transfer), James Smith (transfer), Kelby Collins (transfer), Tim Keenan III (eligibilty expired), Lawson (eligibility expired) and Qua Russaw (transfer).

Alabama’s outside linebacker has already seen Russaw and Noah Carter enter the transfer portal. Jah-Marien Latham would be able to return if he is granted a medical waiver, while the Tide is also set to bring back Justin Hill. 

Among Alabama players with eligibility to return, quarterback Ty Simpson, left tackle Kadyn Proctor and center Parker Brailsford all declared for the NFL Draft. Earlier this week, Alabama announced Bray Hubbard’s return to the team. The Tide is also expected to return fellow starting safety Keon Sabb.

Wednesday was the deadline for non-seniors to declare for the NFL Draft. Players who participate in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game will have a separate deadline of Jan. 23. The NFL will send the final list of approved early entrants to teams on Jan. 24. This year’s NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.