Alabama football has long prided itself on producing elite defenders, and among those defensive stalwarts, the inside linebacker group has consistently stood tall as one of the cornerstones of the program’s defensive success. While other units such as the defensive backs and edge rushers often grab headlines with flashy plays and NFL draft hype, the inside linebackers are the engine that makes the Crimson Tide defense roar. With a blend of toughness, intelligence, athleticism, and instinct, Alabama’s current group of inside linebackers earns the No. 2 spot in our position group rankings heading into the 2025 season.
The legacy of Alabama linebackers reads like a who’s who of college football and NFL legends: Dont’a Hightower, C.J. Mosley, Reuben Foster, and most recently, Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To’oTo’o. It’s a lineage steeped in discipline, elite play recognition, and big-game experience. The 2025 inside linebacker group looks primed to extend that legacy thanks to a mix of proven talent, high-ceiling underclassmen, and one of the deepest rooms in college football.
At the heart of Alabama’s inside linebacker strength is junior Deontae Lawson, the unquestioned leader of the group. Lawson is entering his third season in Tuscaloosa with a commanding presence both on the field and in the locker room. Known for his high football IQ, sure tackling, and sideline-to-sideline range, Lawson is the type of player who keeps offensive coordinators awake at night. He brings a calming influence to the defense, calling out adjustments, diagnosing plays before the snap, and anchoring the front seven with unwavering discipline. At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Lawson has both the physicality to stuff the run and the athleticism to drop into coverage. After battling through some minor injuries in previous seasons, he’s fully healthy and prepared to play at an All-American level.
Joining Lawson is redshirt sophomore Jihaad Campbell, a versatile and explosive linebacker with sky-high potential. A former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy, Campbell spent last season rotating into the lineup and showing flashes of brilliance. He possesses elite burst, a nose for the ball, and the physical traits that remind some fans of past Alabama greats. Campbell’s ability to cover tight ends and backs out of the backfield adds a valuable dimension to Alabama’s defensive versatility. What separates Campbell is his natural feel for the game — he doesn’t just rely on speed; he reads and reacts quickly, often beating linemen to the point of attack. With a full offseason under his belt and an increased role in the starting rotation, Campbell is poised to have a breakout campaign.
Behind the projected starting duo lies a group of hungry, talented linebackers ready to step in at a moment’s notice. Sophomore Justin Jefferson, not to be confused with the NFL wide receiver of the same name, arrived in Tuscaloosa as a high-impact JUCO transfer last year and quickly acclimated to the Crimson Tide’s defensive scheme. He brings a rugged, blue-collar mentality to the linebacker room, excelling in short-yardage and goal-line packages. Jefferson might not have the raw athleticism of Lawson or Campbell, but his instincts and technique make him a reliable option off the bench.
Freshman phenom Sterling Dixon has also turned heads during spring camp. The Mobile, Alabama native was one of the top linebacker recruits in the country and chose the Tide over offers from LSU, Georgia, and Texas. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Dixon is already physically prepared for the rigors of SEC football, but it’s his maturity and coachability that have earned him early reps. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, who brings a fresh energy and aggressive mindset to the Alabama defense, praised Dixon’s work ethic and willingness to learn the system. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Dixon earns meaningful snaps by midseason, particularly in passing situations where his speed and coverage instincts can be utilized.
Also vying for playing time is redshirt freshman Qua Russaw, another elite prospect who has spent time developing behind the veterans. Russaw’s freakish athleticism and explosive first step have drawn comparisons to former Tide stars like Mack Wilson. Though raw, his ceiling is arguably the highest in the room. The challenge for Russaw will be refining his technique and reading offensive formations more effectively — something that the coaching staff is confident will come with time and reps.
One of the underappreciated strengths of this linebacker unit is the leadership and culture within the room. Under head coach Kalen DeBoer and inside linebackers coach Robert Bala, Alabama’s linebackers are held to an incredibly high standard of preparation, effort, and accountability. Film study, tackling fundamentals, and communication are all emphasized. The coaching continuity and commitment to player development give this group an edge that few other programs can replicate. It’s not just about physical gifts — it’s about understanding leverage, trusting your teammates, and playing with discipline.
In today’s college football landscape, where offenses are increasingly dynamic and spread-oriented, inside linebackers are asked to do more than ever before. They must cover slot receivers, chase down mobile quarterbacks, and diagnose exotic formations in real time. Alabama’s linebacker corps has embraced this challenge. Lawson and Campbell, in particular, have showcased an impressive ability to adapt to tempo offenses and quick-hitting schemes. Their speed and intelligence allow them to be assets in both zone and man coverage, while their physicality ensures that the Tide won’t be pushed around in the trenches.
Another underrated aspect of this group is their versatility in the blitz package. Lawson is a natural at timing his rushes through the A-gap, often catching quarterbacks off guard. Campbell, meanwhile, can line up on the edge or drop into a delayed blitz, adding confusion for opposing offensive lines. Even Jefferson and Dixon have been used effectively in pressure situations during spring scrimmages, suggesting that Wommack may dial up more creative blitzes in 2025 than Alabama fans have seen in recent years.
Health will always be a factor in how successful a linebacker unit can be over the course of an SEC season. Fortunately for the Tide, this unit enters the summer relatively healthy, and the depth behind the starters offers a strong insurance policy. If Alabama can avoid the injury bug and maintain continuity throughout the season, this group has the potential to be the best in the country — not just the SEC.
There’s also the intangible value of having players who have “been there before.” Lawson, now in his junior season, has played in College Football Playoff games, rivalry games, and SEC championship contests. That type of experience is invaluable in moments when the defense needs a stop late in the fourth quarter. Having a calming presence who knows the speed of big games and the urgency required to succeed gives Alabama an edge in crunch time.
When considering the full picture — star power, depth, leadership, coaching, versatility, and scheme fit — it’s clear why the inside linebacker group ranks No. 2 among Alabama’s position groups for 2025. Only one unit edges them out, and even that margin is razor-thin. This group is the beating heart of the Crimson Tide defense, setting the tone for physicality, discipline, and excellence every Saturday.
In a year where Alabama is retooling its identity under new leadership and reasserting itself as a national contender, the inside linebacker group stands as a rock of stability. They are the trusted lieutenants of the defense — the ones barking out assignments, making the big third-down tackles, and rallying the team after adversity. As the Crimson Tide chase another SEC title and a return to the College Football Playoff, the play of this linebacker group will be instrumental in determining how far they go.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Alabama linebackers are built for moments of greatness. The 2025 group is no exception. With Deontae Lawson leading the charge, Jihaad Campbell ready to explode onto the national stage, and young talent waiting in the wings, the Tide’s inside linebackers are poised to dominate once again — and possibly bring another Butkus Award home to Tuscaloosa.
