Alabama football's defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was as happy as anyone to have regained the services of veteran difference maker upfront, LT Overton ahead of the Crimson Tide's date with Indiana at the Rose Bowl.
This boost comes after the defensive lineman missed both Alabama's SEC Championship game loss to Georgia and the Crimson Tide's opening round playoff win over Oklahoma, recovering from an illness. Before that, the 6-foot-5, 278-pounder had been playing the best football of his career, leading all Alabama defensive linemen with 4 sacks, alongside 4 quarterback hurries, and 35 tackles across 12 games. On Sunday, Overton was seen at practice, leading the defensive line through warm-ups and drills.
LT Overton back at practice.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 28, 2025
He was recently cleared to return after missing two games due to illness. pic.twitter.com/7X1xBiufFc
Afterwards, Wommack expressed his joy for the senior bandit's return as Overton's status appears to be in the clear during the early stages of Alabama's Rose Bowl prep for Indiana.
"That's an awesome blessing, just for LT, it's awesome for us, for him," Wommack said to reporters on Sunday during Alabama's press conference. "Obviously needs to have another good couple of days here, but is certainly on track and to have him in this game, his experience, certainly his excitement of wanting to get back out on the field and and go compete with his teammates. I mean, he's an ultimate competitor."
LT Overton can be a game cahnger for Alabama in the Rose Bowl
The second-year Tide defensive play caller did not disclose Overton's illness during his absence but stated the impact of his return on Alabama's defense, with the senior pass rusher trending more and more in the right direction day by day.
"When you have a difference maker like that off the edge, it certainly changes things,' Wommack said.
With Overton now officially back in the fold, Wommack and Alabama's defensive minds now look to unleash him against 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza and the No. 1-ranked Indiana Hoosiers in Pasadena, California, next Thursday in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.