In college football, decisions about a player’s future can shake up entire programs. For Alabama, one of the most storied programs in the country, the future of quarterback Jalen Milroe is generating significant buzz as reports suggest he is “trending toward” leaving the Crimson Tide and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. This potential decision carries major implications not only for Milroe’s career but also for Alabama football, as the program prepares for another cycle of talent evaluation and potential roster shakeups.
Milroe’s journey at Alabama has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both high and low points, but he has proven himself as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks the program has seen in recent years. However, the question now looms: Will Milroe return to Alabama for another season, or will he take the leap to the professional ranks? In this blog post, we’ll explore the circumstances surrounding Milroe’s potential departure from Alabama, the impact it could have on both the player and the program, and what Alabama’s quarterback situation could look like going forward.
Jalen Milroe’s Career at Alabama: A Look Back
Jalen Milroe’s tenure at Alabama has been full of promise but also filled with uncertainty. The 6’2”, 220-pound quarterback from Katy, Texas, was one of the most highly regarded recruits in the country when he committed to Alabama. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength made him a tantalizing prospect. However, it took some time for Milroe to find a consistent starting role in a program that has seen top-tier quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young lead the charge in recent years.
Milroe’s big break came in 2023, when he was named the starting quarterback for Alabama following Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL. Expectations were high, and Milroe, who had showcased flashes of brilliance in limited appearances, had the opportunity to take over the reins of one of college football’s most prestigious programs. Throughout the season, Milroe had moments of brilliance that made fans excited about his potential. His powerful arm, ability to extend plays with his legs, and deep-ball accuracy were standout traits that suggested he could be Alabama’s next great quarterback.
However, Milroe also struggled with consistency. His decision-making at times appeared rushed, and his performances were a mixed bag. While he was able to deliver highlight-reel throws, he also made mistakes, including turnovers, that would cost his team. Alabama’s offensive struggles, especially in big games, reflected the difficulties Milroe faced as he tried to find his rhythm in a program that had previously been carried by a Heisman-winning quarterback.
Why Milroe Could Leave for the NFL Draft
Given Milroe’s ups and downs at Alabama, his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is far from a foregone conclusion. But there are several reasons why Milroe may choose to leave Tuscaloosa early and make the jump to professional football. Let’s break down some of the factors that could be influencing Milroe’s potential decision:
1. NFL Draft Stock and Potential
Milroe has the physical tools that NFL scouts covet: a cannon of an arm, a rare blend of size and athleticism, and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. Even with his inconsistencies, NFL teams often look for raw talent, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. Milroe’s physical attributes and potential to develop into a top-tier player at the next level could make him an attractive prospect for teams willing to take a chance on his upside.
Many NFL teams have shown a willingness to take on quarterbacks with raw talent who may need time to refine their skills, and Milroe’s ability to develop as a pocket passer or even as a dual-threat QB could make him an intriguing prospect. With more attention on quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, Milroe’s dual-threat capability could make him an appealing prospect for teams in need of a playmaker.
2. Competition at Alabama and the Chance for Immediate Playing Time in the NFL
Another consideration for Milroe is the level of competition he faces at Alabama. The Crimson Tide has been known to recruit some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and the 2024 recruiting class could bring in new talent that makes it harder for Milroe to maintain his starting position. With Alabama’s roster likely bringing in elite quarterbacks year after year, Milroe might feel the need to secure his spot in the NFL now rather than risk falling behind or losing his job to an incoming freshman or transfer.
The influx of top-tier quarterbacks entering Alabama’s program every year can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it raises the level of competition, pushing Milroe to improve, but on the other hand, it could also make it harder for him to retain a starting position. If Milroe feels he has already shown his best and that competing for another starting job at Alabama may limit his future prospects, declaring for the NFL Draft could seem like the most logical step.
3. Toughness of Playing for a Championship Program
Playing for a program like Alabama comes with high expectations and constant pressure to succeed. In addition to his on-field struggles, Milroe has had to deal with the intense scrutiny that comes with being the starting quarterback for one of the most successful college football programs in history. Every mistake is magnified, and the constant comparisons to past quarterbacks like Tagovailoa, Jones, and Young can be both motivating and overwhelming.
If Milroe feels that the weight of those expectations is becoming too much or that his development could be better served elsewhere, it’s possible that he may choose to leave Alabama in favor of pursuing his professional dreams. The NFL, while certainly a pressure cooker, offers a different kind of environment where Milroe could potentially start fresh, away from the intense college spotlight.
4. Age and the Clock on His Career
Milroe, who is currently in his third season at Alabama, will be 21 years old when the 2025 NFL Draft takes place. Many quarterbacks who leave college early are generally around that age, and Milroe may feel the need to capitalize on his physical potential before the window for a successful NFL career begins to close. By declaring for the draft now, he could enter the league at a relatively young age, giving him more time to develop into a long-term starter at the next level.
What This Means for Alabama Football
If Jalen Milroe does indeed declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama football would be faced with a major decision at quarterback. The program has a long tradition of developing top-tier quarterbacks, and the uncertainty surrounding Milroe’s future only adds to the challenge facing head coach Nick Saban and his staff as they look to reload for next season.
1. Next Man Up: Who Takes Over at Quarterback?
With Milroe potentially leaving, Alabama will need to identify a new starting quarterback for the 2024 season. The team has highly ranked recruits in the pipeline, and there are options available in the transfer portal, but no matter who the new starting quarterback is, he will have big shoes to fill. The next Alabama quarterback will inherit a team with championship aspirations and the constant pressure to perform at a high level. Players like Ty Simpson or other recruits may be considered for the role, but the question remains whether they are ready to lead this storied program.
2. Recruiting and Development
Milroe’s potential departure could also have an impact on Alabama’s recruiting strategy. The program has been known to attract top-tier quarterbacks, and this development could create an even bigger opportunity to land one of the country’s best high school quarterbacks or a potential transfer quarterback who could step in immediately.
Conclusion: The Future of Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s potential decision to leave Alabama and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft marks a critical turning point in his career and for Alabama football. While Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and the constant pressure of playing for a program like Alabama could drive him to make this bold move.
For Alabama, Milroe’s departure would represent yet another significant change in the quarterback position, but it also opens up new opportunities for the next generation of quarterbacks to take over. Whether Milroe stays or goes, Alabama’s program will continue to recruit and develop top talent, ensuring that the Crimson Tide remain a perennial powerhouse in college football.
In the end, Milroe’s decision will shape both his future and Alabama’s trajectory, but one thing is for certain: the stakes are high for both him and the program as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.