With the Alabama Crimson Tide set to compete in the ReliaQuest Bowl, quarterback Jalen Milroe finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. The junior signal-caller has confirmed that he will suit up for the team in their matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, but his future beyond the bowl game remains uncertain.
Jalen Milroe Deciding Future Ahead of ReliaQuest Bowl
When asked about his plans regarding the 2025 NFL Draft, Milroe told Bama247’s Alex Scarborough, “My thought process right now is finish this game out.”
While Milroe has not officially declared his intentions, multiple sources suggest this will likely be his final game for Alabama, as the expectation is that he will take the next step and declare for the NFL Draft.
In an era of college football defined by the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Milroe’s loyalty to Alabama stood out.
Sources revealed that he turned down multiple seven-figure offers from Power Four programs to transfer, choosing instead to return to Tuscaloosa for less money following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban and the hiring of Kalen DeBoer in January.
During his two years as a starter, Milroe has established himself as one of college football’s most electric quarterbacks. His combination of athleticism, arm talent, and leadership transformed Alabama’s offense into a scary opponent.
In the 2023 season, Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to extend plays with his legs while maintaining composure in the pocket made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
He guided Alabama to the College Football Playoff and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, solidifying his place among the nation’s elite players.
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Heading into the 2024 season, Milroe was widely considered a potential first-round pick. However, his draft stock took a hit after a pair of disappointing upset losses to the Vanderbilt Commodores and Oklahoma Sooners, games in which Alabama’s offense struggled to find consistency.
While Milroe continued to flash brilliance throughout the year, the blemishes on Alabama’s record led some scouts to reassess his NFL readiness. Now, Milroe is viewed as a projected Day 2 pick, though there remains a strong chance he could sneak into the first round with an impressive pre-draft process.
Milroe’s physical tools make him an intriguing prospect in what is widely considered a subpar quarterback class.
He would likely compete with Colorado Buffaloes standout Shedeur Sanders and Miami Hurricanes Heisman finalist Cam Ward for positioning among the top signal-callers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Milroe’s rare blend of athleticism and arm strength gives him significant upside at the next level, as he fits the mold of today’s star quarterbacks in the NFL.
For now, however, Milroe’s focus remains on finishing what he started with Alabama. The ReliaQuest Bowl presents a major challenge, as Michigan boasts one of the nation’s most impressive defenses. A strong performance against a top-tier opponent could not only deliver a memorable victory for Alabama but also provide Milroe with a boost in his draft stock heading into the pre-draft evaluation process.
If this is indeed Milroe’s final game for the Crimson Tide, it marks the end of a career defined by exceptional growth and electrifying playmaking. Whether he returns for another season or takes his talents to the NFL, his legacy as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in recent Crimson Tide history is already secure.
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