Alabama's quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has been a key factor in the team's success, and his game continues to evolve with each passing week. After a brief stint on the sidelines, Milroe has emerged as a star player for the No. 8 Crimson Tide.
This was evident in Saturday night's game against LSU, where Milroe showcased his skills, going head-to-head with LSU star Jayden Daniels. Milroe's impressive performance with both his arm and legs led the Tide to a convincing 42-28 victory over the 18th-ranked Tigers, extending Alabama's winning streak to seven games.
With his outstanding performance, Milroe has even caught the attention of his teammates and fans, with running back Roydell Williams believing that his quarterback is now a serious contender for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
"Absolutely," Williams said. "Most definitely."
During the game, Milroe rushed for an impressive 155 yards and scored four touchdowns, setting a new school record for a quarterback. He also displayed his passing skills, throwing for an additional 219 yards without any interceptions, despite his deep ball not being as effective as usual.
Alabama coach Nick Saban acknowledged Milroe's growth as a passer, praising his ability to read the game quickly and make smart decisions even in challenging situations. Milroe's progress at the quarterback position has been a significant development for an offense that had question marks at the start of the season.
After beating out two challengers, Milroe emerged as the successor to NFL draft pick Bryce Young, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2021. His dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and passer have made him a valuable asset for the team.
Since the team's loss against Texas, Milroe has bounced back, leading the offense to consistent improvement and re-establishing Alabama as a playoff contender, while also dominating the SEC West.
“Early in the season, coach Saban said be a point guard with the football,” Milroe said. “Whether it’s passing, handing the ball off or running with the ball in my hands. Just doing everything possible to advance the ball and do what needs to be done so we can win.”
Saban commended Milroe for his resilience and how he handled the temporary benching, ultimately entrusting him with the starting role. Milroe's teammates also appreciated his positive attitude and support on the sidelines, demonstrating the character he carries both on and off the field.
Although known primarily for his running abilities, Milroe has shown remarkable growth as a quarterback throughout the season. Despite facing sacks that limited his rushing yards, he surpassed expectations in the LSU game, setting a new season-high with 155 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
When asked about his Heisman candidacy, Milroe humbly deflected the question, focusing instead on his continuous development as a quarterback.
“The biggest thing I have to do is look in the mirror and acknowledge that I’m not a finished product,” Milroe said. “So I’m just steadily trying to build and move in the right direction.”
