Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has rejected claims that the Crimson Tide would have suffered a mass exodus of wide receivers if Jalen Milroe had returned to the team.
Kalen DeBoer Denies Rumors That Jalen Milroe’s Return Would Drive Receivers Away
Rumors about Milroe’s damaged relationship with Alabama’s wide receivers started circulating after an anonymous AFC coordinator was quoted as saying that all of the Crimson Tide’s wide receivers would have hit the transfer portal had Milroe decided to return for another season rather than enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
“We heard out of Alabama all the skill (players) would’ve transferred if he came back,” the anonymous comment read.
Kalen DeBoer reacts to the rumor of Alabama players leaving if Jalen Milroe had returned, via @933KJR
“I think that’s a little far-fetched. I don’t think we would have lost all of our receivers for anything.”
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— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) April 28, 2025
DeBoer has vehemently denied rumors that Milroe’s return would have driven all his wide receivers away. Responding to the rumors during an interview with Sports Radio 93.3 KJR in Seattle after Milroe was drafted, DeBoer insisted that the rumors were “far-fetched.”
The head coach didn’t hold back in his response to the unsubstantiated rumour and insisted that the team would not have lost all of their wide receivers for any reason, including if Milroe had returned.
“I think I’ve heard that same quote, and I think the word ‘all’ was used, so whenever absolutes are used like that, I kind of question it right there,” DeBoer said concerning the comment. “The words ‘never’ and ‘always’ and ‘all’- I think that’s a little far-fetched. I don’t think we would have lost all of our receivers for anything.”
Milroe has since gone on to become an NFL quarterback after he was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. DeBoer also tipped him to become a legitimate NFL quarterback and a significant contributor for the Seahawks.
6 Wide Receivers Leave Alabama Despite Milroe’s Departure
Milroe’s decision to go pro didn’t stop Alabama from losing six wide receivers to the transfer portal. However, coach DeBoer will take solace in the fact that none of them were key players for the team.
DeBoer will also be delighted that the team managed to keep their most promising young talents while adding three new receivers, including highly rated Isaiah Horton from Miami.
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The Crimson Tide will also be welcoming back star wideout Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard for the 2025 season. However, their quarterback situation remains unresolved, with Ty Simpson leading the charge ahead of Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.
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