5 days ago
2
Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson has officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft.
Jefferson was a focal point on the Crimson Tide defense throughout his entire three-year tenure in Tuscaloosa, especially the last two years. A former four-star recruit, Jefferson is an elite linebacker that will almost certainly add a major boost to any team that chooses to draft him. The Memphis, Tennessee native is projected to be one of the top linebackers in the draft as Jefferson will now turn his attention towards preparing for the next stage of his career.
Advertisement
Jefferson was ranked as the No. 1 overall JUCO linebacker and the No. 2 overall JUCO player from the class of 2023, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, as the former Alabama playmaker was a highly sought after recruit prior to joining the Crimson Tide. The future star has elite speed and explosiveness, and the Tide will certainly miss his presence on the defensive side of the football in 2026 and beyond.
Alabama could turn to freshly signed linebacker Caleb Woodson in hopes of replicating Jefferson's production, but ultimately the Crimson Tide's defensive unit will look completely different in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football linebacker Justin Jefferson declares for NFL draft
English (US) ·