Alabama freshman listed at new position on Tide roster

Jamarion Matthews - Photo by Justin Smith - Touchdown Alabama

Alabama football’s true freshman and Alabama native, Jamarion Matthews is listed as a linebacker for the Crimson Tide ahead of the first day of spring practice after getting recruited as a defensive lineman.

Alabama freshman early enrollee DE Jamarion Matthews fitting right in during drill work. pic.twitter.com/nUvcgbhFSH

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 28, 2025

Matthews was a four-star defensive lineman as a prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. However, he is now listed as a 6-foot-2, 256-pound linebacker on Alabama’s 2026 roster, signaling a shift to the Crimson Tide’s wolf linebacker position.

This position is called upon to get after the quarterback while rushing form the edge, which is something Matthews should have no problem doing. He led the state of Alabama in sacks at Sparkman High School as a junior before transferring to Gainesville High School in Georgia. Players who play wolf linebacker for the Crimson Tide also have to be strong at the point of attack against the run, and Matthews’ experience as a defensive lineman should make this transition a smooth one.

Alabama freshman DL Jamarion Matthews is among the Tide freshmen I expect to benefit from the portal’s impact on the Tide’s roster.

Here is a breakdown of the 5 incoming freshman for the Tide I feel are in position to do so, including Matthews.https://t.co/k3QjLVwnrA pic.twitter.com/16E4lrBjRz

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) January 18, 2026

It will be interesting to see if Matthews can crack Alabama’s rotation at wolf this spring.