Deontae Lawson’s journey in Tuscaloosa has taken a few unexpected turns - but it’s far from over. A year ago, the Alabama linebacker was on a clear path to the NFL. Then came a torn ACL in a road loss to Oklahoma in November 2024, a gut-wrenching injury that put his pro dreams on pause and forced a hard reset.
Instead of declaring for the draft, Lawson made the decision to return for a fifth year with the Crimson Tide. And he didn’t just come back - he came back strong. Matching his production from the previous season, Lawson reestablished himself as a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense and set the stage for a potential NFL future in 2026.
But there’s an emotional layer to this story that stats alone can’t capture. Lawson didn't get the revenge he might’ve hoped for in the regular season - Alabama fell to Oklahoma 23-21 at home on November 15. Still, fate has handed him one more shot - this time on the same field where it all came crashing down.
Alabama and Oklahoma are set to meet again, this time in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game will be played at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - the very place where Lawson’s injury occurred.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19.
“Man, God is great,” Lawson said. “Looking back and just knowing where my headspace was, it just put me in a different perspective. Just even going out there and practicing today, just flying around and try and bring guys with me because I actually get to.”
That mindset - of gratitude, of resilience - is what’s defined Lawson’s return. Yes, there were unfinished goals, relationships to nurture, and wins to chase. But more than anything, the injury reminded him how quickly it all can be taken away.
“Obviously I have dreams and aspirations to play at the next level,” Lawson said back in July at SEC Media Days. “But I think the injury kind of made me realize it can be taken away from you at any point.”
And he’s made the most of every snap since. Through 13 games, Lawson leads Alabama with 75 tackles. He’s added three tackles for loss, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble - a stat line that speaks to his all-around impact and leadership on the field.
But for Lawson, this next game isn’t just about numbers. It’s about closure. It’s about stepping back onto the field where everything changed - and writing a new chapter.
“I’m excited to go back and just take it all in,” Lawson said. “I know I’ll give everything I got, for sure.”
The moment is coming. Friday night.
Prime time. College Football Playoff.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma.
And for Deontae Lawson, it’s more than a game - it’s the continuation of a story that almost ended too soon.