Kalen DeBoer reveals how he told Justin Jefferson he was eligible for 2025, disagree on timeline

After the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson didn’t know if he would be granted another year of eligibility. It turns out Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was the first one to tell the Crimson Tide LB the good news.

However, the two recall the phone call a bit differently. Jefferson set the scene, as far as he recalls, while joining DeBoer and Alabama play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart on his weekly coaches show.

“(It was) the best Christmas that I’m going to remember for a long time,” Jefferson said. “I was at my sister’s house because she just had a baby, and they then I get a call (and I’m) like man, this changes a lot of things.”

DeBoer disagreed with the timeline. He stated that he believes the conversation happened more toward New Year’s, roughly a week after that. Nevertheless, DeBoer shared his side of the wholesome story.

“It was a good called conversation, though. And I remember being excited about it, because I knew there was talk about this potentially happening,” DeBoer recalled. “I’d already kind of like gotten the word from him that this would be something he’d all about. That he’d be very excited about and so, those are the fun parts about my job.

“Seeing guys like him take advantage of the opportunity. But also getting the opportunity and how appreciative he was in that moment.”

Jefferson himself didn’t believe he’d be playing college football season this year. After all, he went through senior day festivities last year believing he’d never play another game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

However, an NCAA ruling allowing an extra year for JUCO transfers spearheaded by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia helped Jefferson out. In the end, he was granted an injunction that allowed him one extra year of eligibility for the 2025 season. This came after a career-best season with the Crimson Tide one year ago.

“I would also like to thank the people who fought to help junior college student-athletes earn an extra year of eligibility,” Jefferson said at the time. “Without this legislation, I would not be able to continue playing the game I love at the University I love. Alabama is a special place to me, and I cannot wait to return for the 2025 season.”

Now five games into the season, and Jefferson has made the most of his opportunity so far, doing a little bit of everything along the way. During that span, Jefferson has totaled 29 tackles (18 solo) to go along with a pass breakup, sack, forced fumble and an interception.

He’ll look to continue his strong start to the season on the road at Missouri this weekend. Kickoff is set for Noon ET live on ABC.