Alabama football's linebacker room should be one of the strengths of the 2025 team, even after losing a projected first round pick in Jihaad Campbell. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack relinquished control of the room so he could oversee the entire defense and long time Kalen Deboer lieutenant Chuck Morrell will coach the room next season.
Replacing Campbell won't be easy, but Alabama got a couple of unexpected returns to the room that will ease the transition.
Most thought Deontae Lawson was in his final season in Tuscaloosa and he probably would have been if it wasn't for the season-ending injury he suffered against Oklahoma. As a result, he'll be back for his fifth year. Lawson still finished as the team's second-leading tackler at 76 stops. He also had two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Lawson is one of the most talented and experienced linebackers in the country. The question will be how quickly he's able to get back on the field and if he's able to play in Week 1 or not. As is, he'll miss all of spring practice.
An NCAA ruling allowing all JUCO transfers an extra year of eligibility allowed Justin Jefferson to return for his third season in Tuscaloosa. Jefferson was the green dot communicator when Lawson went down and he'll lead the way for the LB room this spring.
Jefferson will compete for the off-ball LB job when Lawson is back too. Alabama added Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green in the Transfer Portal. Hill-Green was an All-Big 12 second teamer last season and he brings in a lot of experience to the room.
Those three make up an experienced and talented group of linebackers. Behind them is a lot of youth, but youth brimming with talent. Cayden Jones and QB Reese enter their second year in the program and Jones has drawn rave reviews from those inside the program.
Darrell "Duke" Johnson, Luke Metz, and Abduall Sanders are incoming 4-star freshmen who will look to carve out an early role. All three will have a chance to play on special teams, but sneaking into the rotation at LB will be difficult with the talent and experience ahead of them.
Alabama needs more pass rush production out of the WOLF position
Que Robinson was Alabama's best pass rushing WOLF last year, but he exhausted his eligibility. Rising junior Qua Russaw was a revelation overall, but he only managed one sack. He'll lead the room, but he'll either need to improve as a rusher or someone behind him will have to take a leap.
Alabama moved Bandit Jah-Marien Latham to Wolf during bowl practices, a move that will evidently stick. At 6-foot-3 and 278 pounds, Latham gives Alabama a bigger body at the position that could be helpful in setting edges against the run.
Yhonzae Pierre is entering his third year in the program and is as talented as anyone. He'll be looking to make a move up the depth chart and earn more meaningful playing time.
JUCO transfer Kevonte Henry came to Alabama with an expectation that he'll be able to contribute immediately. He's a big wildcard in the room. With the talent ahead of him, any bit he contributes will be icing on the cake.
Freshman Justin Hill has already drawn rave reviews in Tuscaloosa and might be the most talented pass rusher on the roster from the moment he starts practice. Noah Carter took a redshirt as a freshman and will enter the spring in hopes of making a move.
The LB room is as talented as any position on the Alabama roster. They'll need a young guy or two to step up in order to reach the ceiling the unit - and the defense as a whole - has for next season.
Getting Lawson back healthy would be a big boost. With Hill-Green and Jefferson, Alabama has two guys more than capable of filling the gap. But Lawson is a legitimate All-American candidate when healthy and figures to once again be the leader of the defense as a whole.