Amid much speculation, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has made a decision on his future, announcing via Instagram that he would be leaving Tuscaloosa and declaring for the NFL Draft:
BREAKING:
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/JBshZOGgeo
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 2, 2025
Milroe deciding to leave for the NFL felt like the most likely outcome throughout the season, but with late season struggles down the stretch, the idea of him returning to school for one more year was tossed around by some.
Ultimately, in what is an extremely weak draft class at the quarterback position, at least on paper, Milroe chooses to take his leave now and likely the best chance to be drafted highly by a quarterback-needy team. Milroe thanked teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone in between in his statement announcing his decision and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at Alabama.
While his legacy will be complicated after two years as the starting quarterback and some extremely high highs with equally low lows, ultimately he loved the program and showed unquestioned loyalty amidst a seismic change at head coach a year ago.
As for where he could be drafted, it’s really anybody’s guess. Struggling as a consistent passer along with holding onto the ball doesn’t exactly breed NFL success, but there may be a team intrigued enough by his potential and athleticism to make him a Day 2 pick.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.