Jalen Milroe’s journey as Alabama’s quarterback has been anything but conventional. A highly touted recruit who arrived at Tuscaloosa with high expectations, Milroe’s career has been a fascinating blend of brilliance and frustration, growth and setbacks. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and Milroe’s decision to declare or return for another season looms, his legacy at Alabama remains in a state of flux—complicated by questions about his future, his performance, and the ever-present comparison to Alabama’s historic quarterbacks.
Milroe’s legacy is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness, but it is also a tale of what could have been. For many Alabama fans, Milroe embodies the highs and lows of the program’s recent transition from a dynasty led by legendary figures like Nick Saban and his quarterbacking protégé, Tua Tagovailoa, to an uncertain future with a new generation of signal-callers. As Milroe himself has said, “I put everything on the line,” and it’s clear that his legacy will be shaped by his willingness to do so in an environment where the stakes are always high.
The Beginning of a Promising Journey
When Jalen Milroe first arrived at Alabama, he was viewed as one of the most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. A product of Katy High School in Texas, Milroe’s impressive high school career caught the attention of coaches and recruiters alike. At 6 feet 2 inches and possessing elite speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash), he was seen as a physical specimen with the potential to lead one of college football’s most storied programs.
As a true freshman in 2022, Milroe was behind Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in recent Alabama history. Milroe’s role that season was primarily as a backup, but when Young went down with an injury in the middle of the season, Milroe stepped into the spotlight. His first career start was a baptism by fire—Alabama faced a tough Arkansas team on the road, and Milroe’s raw athleticism was put to the test.
In that game, Milroe flashed glimpses of the potential that made him such a highly sought-after recruit. He was able to make plays with his legs, scrambling for crucial first downs, and showcased an arm that could stretch the field. Alabama fans were immediately intrigued by his ability to move the ball and create opportunities, something that would serve him well as a starter in the coming seasons.
However, that early success did not translate into immediate consistency. Milroe’s performances in later games, especially in losses to top teams like LSU and Tennessee, revealed the limitations in his passing game. He struggled with accuracy, often missing open receivers and making questionable decisions that hurt Alabama’s chances in high-pressure situations. It was clear that while Milroe possessed the raw physical tools to succeed, he still needed significant development as a quarterback.
The Complexity of His Growth
Milroe’s first full season as Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2023 saw him face a critical crossroads in his career. He had the physical attributes and the leadership potential, but the mental and technical aspects of the position remained a work in progress. Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama quarterbacks are expected to excel in all aspects of the game—reading defenses, making quick decisions, and managing the game with poise. Milroe’s shortcomings in these areas were evident, but so was his tenacity.
The Alabama offense was built to support Milroe’s dual-threat ability. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees implemented a system that allowed Milroe to showcase his talents both as a passer and a runner. In games where he was able to use his legs effectively, Milroe could generate explosive plays that kept defenses on their heels. However, when the running game was shut down, Milroe’s passing inconsistencies became more pronounced, and Alabama’s offense struggled.
In some ways, Milroe’s career at Alabama mirrors the broader narrative of the team’s recent evolution. Alabama has long been known for its defense and ground game, but in recent seasons, the offense has needed to evolve to keep pace with the changing dynamics of college football. Quarterbacks like Milroe, who combine athleticism with arm strength, are becoming increasingly valuable in this new era of football, but Milroe’s development as a passer became a lingering question.
Throughout his time at Alabama, Milroe has faced intense scrutiny, especially when compared to the quarterbacks who came before him—players like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Young, each of whom had a clear identity and played critical roles in Alabama’s national championship run. Milroe, in many ways, was caught in the shadow of these accomplished quarterbacks, and the comparisons were inevitable. Every incompletion, every mistake was weighed against the legacy of Alabama’s quarterbacking tradition.
Yet, it was this very challenge that pushed Milroe to keep working and developing, even when things weren’t going according to plan. The expectations placed on him were high, and the pressure was immense. But Milroe, true to his character, embraced it. He said in an interview, “I put everything on the line,” acknowledging the sacrifices and challenges he faced throughout his career.
The Ups and Downs of 2023
The 2023 season was a pivotal year for Milroe, not just in terms of his development as a quarterback but in how he responded to adversity. Milroe had his share of highlight-reel moments, including his impressive rushing performances and his ability to lead Alabama to victories over top SEC rivals. Against opponents like Mississippi State and Auburn, Milroe showed that he could rise to the occasion, demonstrating poise and athleticism in critical moments.
However, the low points of the season were equally as impactful. Milroe struggled against teams like Tennessee and LSU, where his passing inconsistencies and turnovers cost Alabama in key moments. In games where Alabama’s defense wasn’t able to bail him out, Milroe’s inability to execute as a passer left the Crimson Tide vulnerable. These struggles raised questions about his long-term potential as Alabama’s quarterback and whether he could make the necessary adjustments to take the team to the next level.
For many, Milroe’s 2023 season was a microcosm of the complicated nature of his legacy. He demonstrated flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistencies and growing pains reminded everyone that talent alone isn’t always enough to succeed at the highest levels. He was a player who, in some ways, seemed destined to be both adored and criticized for his ups and downs—proof that greatness in college football doesn’t always come easily.
The Decision: NFL Draft or Return to Alabama?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Milroe faces a decision that will shape the next phase of his career. Should he declare for the draft, or should he return to Alabama for one more season, using it as an opportunity to further hone his skills and solidify his place as a first-round prospect? NFL scouts will closely examine Milroe’s decision-making ability, passing consistency, and overall development over the next few months. Milroe’s potential is undeniable, but whether he is ready to make the leap to the NFL remains in question.
If Milroe chooses to return to Alabama, he would have the opportunity to refine his game under Saban’s tutelage, with another year of experience to help polish his passing and decision-making. A strong 2024 campaign could elevate his draft stock and secure his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
If Milroe decides to declare for the draft, his legacy at Alabama will be solidified as one of resilience. He will have fought against overwhelming expectations and carved out a career defined by determination, growth, and unrelenting effort. His decision will be a reflection of the player he has become—a fighter who put everything on the line, despite the complications of his journey.
Conclusion: A Legacy Defined by Effort and Determination
Jalen Milroe’s legacy at Alabama is complicated, shaped by moments of brilliance and periods of uncertainty. His career has been defined by perseverance, a willingness to embrace the challenge, and a drive to prove himself in the face of high expectations. Whether he decides to declare for the NFL Draft or return to Alabama, his legacy will be marked by the sacrifices he made and the lessons learned along the way.
In the end, Milroe’s story is one of growth, grit, and the pursuit of greatness. It is a legacy that will resonate with Alabama fans for years to come, reminding them of the challenges and triumphs that come with being a part of one of college football’s most storied programs.