Alabama Football Receives Boost as Jah-Marien Latham Announces Return for 2025 Season
In a thrilling development for Alabama football fans, veteran defender Jah-Marien Latham has announced his decision to return for the 2025 season. The news was shared via a video message on Latham’s Instagram account, where he simply stated, “I’m back. 2025 let’s do it.”
This announcement is a significant boost to the Crimson Tide’s defensive line, as Latham brings valuable experience and skill to the table. In 2024, he earned a starting role at the defensive end position, also known as the “bandit” position, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Latham’s adaptability and ability to adjust to different positions were particularly impressive, as evidenced by his performance when he filled in for Que Robinson at edge late in the season.
Wommack praised Latham’s ability to adapt to the new position, stating, “There are some similarities in the Bandit and Wolf positions, but then there’s also some very staunch differences… I thought (Latham) did a really nice job of making those adjustments throughout the week, and then really was fairly consistent in his execution on game day.”
Latham’s statistics for the 2024 season include 29 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 278 pounds, he is a formidable presence on the defensive line.
As a member of the 2020 recruiting class, Latham joined the Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect from Pickens County. With his return, he will be the only player on the 2025 roster remaining from the 2020 national championship team, Alabama’s last title.
The defensive end position is expected to be highly competitive in 2025, with Latham joining returning players LT Overton, Jordan Renaud, and Keon Keeley, as well as Florida transfer Kelby Collins. Alabama will kick off its 2025 season on August 30 with a highly anticipated matchup against Florida State.
