Alabama’s defensive front is getting a major boost as linebacker/defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham has announced he will return for a seventh season with the Crimson Tide.

Alabama’s defensive front is getting a major boost as linebacker/defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham has announced he will return for a seventh season with the Crimson Tide. The veteran defender’s decision brings stability, experience, and leadership back to a unit that values physicality and depth in the trenches. In an era defined by constant roster turnover, Latham’s return is a significant win for Alabama’s defense.

Latham originally signed with Alabama as part of the 2020 recruiting class, arriving in Tuscaloosa with high upside and positional versatility. His career began with a redshirt season in 2020, allowing him to develop physically and mentally while learning the demands of Alabama’s defensive system. That foundational year set the stage for his gradual but steady rise within the program.

In 2021, Latham saw his first game action, appearing in four contests as he continued to adjust to the speed and intensity of SEC football. His role expanded notably in 2022, when he played in 12 games and became a reliable rotational piece along the defensive front. That season marked a turning point, showcasing his ability to contribute in both linebacker and defensive line alignments.

Latham’s most productive stretch came during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Over those two years, he appeared in 27 games and recorded 37 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. While the raw numbers don’t fully capture his impact, his consistency, effort, and physical presence made him a trusted option in key defensive situations.

Unfortunately, Latham’s momentum was halted in 2025 when he suffered a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the final 14 games. Due to the severity and timing of the injury, he was granted a medical redshirt, preserving his eligibility and opening the door for a return season. The setback was difficult, but it also provided Latham with an opportunity to fully recover and come back stronger.

With Latham returning, Alabama’s defensive front gains a battle-tested veteran and proven contributor—two qualities that are invaluable for a championship-contending team. His experience in the system, positional flexibility, and leadership will be pivotal as the Crimson Tide look to reload on defense. For Alabama, this isn’t just a player coming back—it’s a tone-setter rejoining the fight in the trenches.