TUSCALOOSA, AL – In a stunning announcement following Alabama’s 45-20 victory over Arkansas, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe plans to return for the 2025 season and will be the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
The news came during a postgame press conference where DeBoer was asked about Milroe’s future with the program. With the Crimson Tide having finished their regular season and looking ahead to a potential College Football Playoff berth, DeBoer’s declaration has sent shockwaves through the college football world.
“We’re thrilled to have Jalen back next season,” DeBoer said. “He’s grown tremendously over the course of this year, and we believe he’s ready to take the reins as our quarterback moving forward. His leadership and ability to make plays are exactly what we need as we continue to build on the success we’ve had this season.”
Milroe, who was thrust into the starting role after the injury of former starter Ty Simpson in the opening weeks of the 2024 season, has displayed remarkable growth and maturity. After initially facing criticism for his inconsistent performances early in the season, Milroe’s strong showing in Alabama’s dominant victory over Arkansas, where he threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, was a testament to his development.
“I’m excited to be back and to continue building on what we’ve started here at Alabama,” Milroe said following the win. “Coach DeBoer and the entire coaching staff have been great to me. We’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I’m ready to lead this team into the future. The goal is always to be the best, and I’m going to keep working every day to make sure we achieve that.”
Milroe, who started in all but one of Alabama’s games this season, has demonstrated a versatile skill set, combining a strong arm with the ability to make plays with his legs. His rushing ability, often breaking off explosive runs, has added a new dimension to Alabama’s offense. In 2024, Milroe threw for over 2,600 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, while adding over 600 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
While his early-season struggles led some to question his readiness for the job, Milroe’s consistency has improved as the season has gone on, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. The offense, which had sometimes been stagnant in the past, has come to life with Milroe at the helm, and his leadership in critical moments has become one of the defining aspects of Alabama’s season.
DeBoer’s announcement about Milroe’s return comes at a time when Alabama’s quarterback position had been the subject of much speculation. With some projecting that Milroe could potentially declare for the NFL Draft after his standout 2024 campaign, the news of his return was unexpected but welcomed by the Alabama faithful. It’s a sign that the program is confident in its current leader, and that Milroe’s future is aligned with the team’s ambitions moving forward.
Alabama’s decision to name Milroe the starting quarterback for the 2025 season also provides clarity for the Crimson Tide’s recruiting efforts. With Milroe’s commitment to returning, DeBoer and his staff can now focus their attention on developing other areas of the team, knowing that the quarterback position is secure. It also allows incoming recruits and transfers to better gauge Alabama’s needs and how they can fit into the program.
In the SEC, where quarterback play often dictates the success of a team, having a proven and reliable signal-caller like Milroe is a significant advantage. The Alabama offense, which has become more balanced under DeBoer’s guidance, will likely continue to evolve with Milroe at the helm.
“I’ve always believed in Jalen,” DeBoer said. “He’s got all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. What we’ve seen from him this season is just the beginning. He’s a fighter, and his mentality is exactly what we want in our quarterback. We’re excited to see what he can do next season as we aim for another national championship.”
The announcement of Milroe’s return also solidifies Alabama’s quarterback situation amid an SEC that continues to be a proving ground for top-tier quarterbacks. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee have made headlines with their own quarterback situations, but with Milroe now firmly in place for 2025, Alabama looks to be in a strong position to contend once again for conference and national titles.
As the 2024 season winds down, Alabama is preparing for its upcoming bowl game and the possibility of a College Football Playoff berth. Milroe’s return for the 2025 season is likely to add an additional layer of motivation for a program that has already established itself as one of the preeminent teams in college football.
For the Crimson Tide, the future is bright with Jalen Milroe under center. Fans and analysts alike will now turn their attention to the future, eagerly anticipating what could be a defining season for both Milroe and Alabama football in 2025.
As DeBoer concluded, “We’re not just thinking about the next game. We’re thinking about building this program for the long haul. And with Jalen leading the way, I’m confident that we’re headed in the right direction.”
The 2025 season will undoubtedly be one to watch for Alabama fans, as the Crimson Tide looks to maintain its place among the elite of college football, with Milroe firmly entrenched as the centerpiece of their championship aspirations.