Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has experienced a season full of highs and lows. The preseason All-American started strong, guiding Alabama to victory in their first four games, which included an impressive win over the Georgia Bulldogs, who are currently ranked No. 2. Milroe rose to the occasion in that highly anticipated matchup, showcasing his skill by completing 27 of his 33 pass attempts for an impressive 374 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t just excel in the air, though; Milroe also demonstrated his dual-threat ability on the ground, rushing 16 times for 117 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
At this early point in the season, Milroe emerged as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, with odds set at +175, well ahead of Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, who trailed at +500. This strong start had many believing Milroe could be Alabama’s next big quarterback to make a run at the prestigious award, fueled by his standout performance against tough competition like Georgia.
However, since then, Milroe has struggled to maintain that level of play, leading to a decline in his Heisman candidacy. Alabama has split their last four games, going 2-2 with disappointing losses to the Vanderbilt Commodores and Tennessee Volunteers. During this stretch, Milroe has thrown five interceptions, a statistic that has raised concerns and diminished his early-season momentum. The quarterback who dazzled against Georgia hasn’t reappeared, and Alabama’s inconsistencies have cost them crucial games.
On a recent episode of “The McShay Show,” former NFL draft analyst Todd McShay offered a broader look at the 2025 quarterback class, which features Milroe among other talents like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Carson Beck. McShay remarked that this class is reminiscent of the 2023 group in terms of depth and potential. Specifically, McShay noted parallels between Milroe and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, emphasizing their shared athleticism and powerful arm strength. Like Richardson, a former Florida Gator, Milroe brings a unique combination of physical abilities that make him stand out, but both players remain unpolished and need further development.
“Richardson went early in the draft, possibly too high, and that could be the situation for Milroe,” McShay observed. “It’s about betting on that athleticism and that impressive arm strength.” He acknowledged the clear upside in Milroe’s game, but also pointed out the areas where he could benefit from additional experience. “Milroe has been through high-pressure games in the SEC and has shouldered expectations at Alabama, which is something Richardson didn’t have as much of when he came out of Florida. However, you still want to see Milroe get more reps and improve his overall game before he’s ready for the NFL stage.”
Richardson himself was selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Colts, though his early pro career hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped. After just 10 games over two seasons, he was temporarily replaced by 39-year-old veteran Joe Flacco. Colts head coach Shane Steichen has reassured fans that the team isn’t giving up on Richardson, but they see the value in letting him continue to develop rather than rushing his progress.
Milroe, who was a highly touted four-star recruit from the 2021 high school class, has accumulated 1,937 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. He’s also been productive on the ground, racking up 380 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. As Alabama prepares for a challenging matchup against the No. 15 LSU Tigers in Death Valley, Milroe has an opportunity to regain his footing and prove he can handle the high expectations that come with leading one of college football’s most storied programs. Kickoff for this crucial game is set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
