Jalen Milroe was one of college football’s most controversial figures last season, with his performance drawing mixed reactions, especially from Alabama fans. After a rocky start and being benched against South Florida, he returned to start the final 11 games, leading Alabama to an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance, where they narrowly lost to Michigan in overtime at the Rose Bowl.
Despite finishing sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting, skepticism lingered among some fans about Milroe’s abilities as a passer and whether Ty Simpson might be a better fit for the team.
Milroe, however, has remained unfazed by the criticism. He emerged as a key leader during the uncertainty following Nick Saban’s retirement and chose to stay at Alabama rather than exploring the Transfer Portal, despite numerous lucrative NIL offers.
The hiring of Kalen DeBoer has been a major boost, with expectations high for how he can develop Milroe’s passing game and tailor an offense to his athletic strengths. Last season, the offensive strategy under Saban and Tommy Rees often struggled to align with Milroe’s skill set. The offense improved when it began to capitalize on what Milroe does best.
This season, Milroe’s growth as a passer and his increased dynamism as a runner are evident. After the first three games of 2024, he’s shown significant improvement, joining elite company by becoming the first quarterback since 2012 to record three consecutive games with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns. With 14 total touchdowns already, he leads the nation in that category.
Milroe has also improved his QBR significantly, rising from 172.2 last season to 213.4 this year. While he still has areas to refine, particularly with pocket presence and deep shots, his development is clear. His success in the read-option game, previously limited by predetermined looks, now reflects trust from the coaching staff.
Currently, Milroe is a strong Heisman Trophy contender, trailing only Miami’s Cam Ward in the odds following the injury to Texas QB Quinn Ewers. A Heisman win would not only validate his critics but also address early doubts from his first offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, who once questioned his quarterbacking potential.
Milroe has not only demonstrated he belongs among the nation’s elite quarterbacks but is also driven to lead Alabama to a national championship. If his recent performance continues, college football should definitely take notice.