LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Football team is set to kick off their 2025 season against Fort Valley State on Saturday but before they do, UWA Athletics will preview the Tigers' 2025 defensive unit.

West Alabama's defense in 2024 was one of the best units that the Tigers have had in a while. UWA held opponents to 13.5 points per game last season which led the GSC, while holding teams to 272.2 yards per game, ranking third. 

West Alabama's defense will have a new look group in 2025 after losing starters, Ishmael Naylor, Trevon Stanford, Trevon Lambert, Lamar Gray, Cody Sigler, Davonta Jackson, and Delawrence Butler in the offseason.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The Tigers lost a lot of talent on the defensive line after the 2024 season, but brought in a mix of freshman and transfers to replenish the group. Marquis Robinson, Antonio Williams, Anthony Oatis, and Darrius Elias are back for UWA up front, while bringing in transfers, Jacob Thornton, Jalin Herbert, and Exavier McDowell. 

Robinson has the most experience out of the group but newcomers, Thornton and Herbert have turned heads in camp. Both are set to make their debuts this weekend and will play a big role for West Alabama's in 2025. 

LINEBACKERS
Much like last year's squad, the Tigers are uber talented at the Linebacker position. Travon Nunn, Michael McGregor, and Makel Jones spearhead this year's group. Nunn played in all 11 games last season, rotating in at Linebacker while being a heavy contributor on special teams. Similar to Nunn, McGregor played in spots last season but carries a level of experience and skill that will elevate the group. 

Jones comes to Livingston, after competing with East Mississippi CC the past two seasons. The 6'1", 205 LB Linebacker will get snaps on Saturday as he's set to make his debut.

JT Hooten and Devin Arrington are two more returners that are slated to play a big role. Hooten only competed in three games last season, but has put together an impressive Fall Camp. Hooten is set to start alongside Nunn and McGregor on Saturday while Arrington will provide quality depth behind them.

Lake Gurley will most likely rotate with Nunn on Saturday. Gurley played a major role on Special Teams in 2024, and now will get an opportunity to participate in important snaps this season.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
UWA's DB group may be the strongest on the Tigers' roster. West Alabama returns All-GSC recipients Issac Williams and Jaden Taylor along with Jamari Jemison, Devonte Harris, and Aydan Adams. 

Williams and Taylor will be UWA's Safeties while Jemison and Adams are slated to be CB1 and CB2. In 2024, Williams led the Tigers with three interceptions, while finishing second on the team and leading all Defensive Backs with 60 tackles. Taylor was a star on special teams, leading to a First Team All-GSC selection. The senior will now get to showcase his talent in the secondary.

Jemison and Adams are two of the most experienced players on the roster. Both played all 11 games in 2024 and are back to carry the mantle in 2025. 

Transfers, DaQuon Levy and Terrance Alexander will play meaningful snaps, with one of the two bound to start as the Tigers' boundary corner. Levy spent his first two seasons at East Mississippi while Alexander played for Bethune-Cookman. 

West Alabama's defensive unit will look to build on a stout 2024 year, beginning on Saturday against Fort Valley State at 4:15 PM at Legion Field.