The offseason in Tuscaloosa could’ve taken a dramatic turn for the worse had one pivotal decision not been made: Jalen Milroe’s exit for the NFL Draft. A recent report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero underscored just how fragile things were behind the scenes at Alabama, revealing a statement from an anonymous AFC coordinator:
“We heard out of Alabama all the skill [players] would’ve transferred if [Milroe] came back.”
That comment is both shocking and telling, especially when you consider that Milroe is projected as a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. But the sentiment isn’t entirely surprising when you take a closer look at the 2024 season and Alabama’s offensive struggles.
A Fractured Offensive Identity
Despite being the face of the Crimson Tide’s offense, Milroe endured a season of ups and downs, particularly as a passer. He regressed in accuracy and decision-making from his redshirt sophomore campaign. While his athleticism remained electric—evidenced by his 726 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns—his passing left much to be desired. His inconsistency put Alabama’s wide receivers and running backs in difficult spots time and time again.
Milroe’s deep-ball potential and mobility made him a dual threat, but his inaccuracy often derailed drives, forcing receivers to adjust for poorly timed throws or take hits in contested situations. At times, the offense leaned almost entirely on his running ability, making Alabama’s scheme predictable and uneven. The skill-position players—especially the wideouts—rarely had a chance to flourish in such a limited structure.
The Threat of a Mass Exodus
Given that context, the idea that Alabama’s top skill players would consider transferring if Milroe had stayed isn’t hard to believe. Wide receivers, in particular, rely on consistent quarterback play to develop and boost their NFL draft stock. If their numbers stagnate due to erratic QB play, they risk being overshadowed by receivers in more pass-efficient offenses across the country.
Running backs, too, were overshadowed. With Milroe frequently calling his own number in the red zone and on third downs, traditional backs had fewer opportunities to showcase their abilities. That dynamic led to what many saw as a disjointed offensive approach where the supporting cast was underutilized and underwhelmed.
The comment from the NFL coordinator paints a picture of an Alabama program on the brink of offensive collapse had Milroe chosen to return.
A Narrow Escape and a Fresh Start
Fortunately for Alabama, that mass exodus never came to fruition. With Milroe declaring for the NFL, Alabama was able to retain the bulk of its offensive talent heading into the 2025 season. That decision likely provided relief in the locker room and gave new offensive staff members a chance to retool the scheme around a more balanced attack.
Milroe’s departure isn’t necessarily an indictment of his talent—it’s a recognition of a mismatch between his style of play and Alabama’s evolving offensive needs. As he heads to the NFL, scouts will evaluate him based on his raw athleticism and playmaking ability, but they’ll also need to reconcile his passing inconsistencies and ask whether his game can translate to the next level.
What It Means for Alabama Going Forward
The Crimson Tide now enter the 2025 season with a clean slate offensively, and with a quarterback room open to competition, there’s optimism that the next signal-caller can bring more balance and precision to the attack. That bodes well for the receivers, backs, and tight ends who stayed, presumably under the belief that their roles would expand in a more conventional, quarterback-friendly system.
This moment could be a critical inflection point for Alabama’s offense: moving away from improvisation-heavy quarterback play toward a system that empowers every skill player. Whether that leads back to SEC dominance remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the locker room is breathing easier without the lingering uncertainty Milroe’s return may have caused.
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