Jalen Milroe: A Tale of Potential and Growth Amidst Challenges in the 2024 Season
Jalen Milroe’s 2024 season at the University of Alabama was a journey filled with both triumphs and setbacks. As one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in college football, the expectations for Milroe were always immense. He entered the season with a chance to solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. However, the season didn’t unfold as smoothly as many had hoped. While Milroe displayed flashes of brilliance, his performance was ultimately marked by inconsistency and struggles in critical areas, particularly in the passing game.
Despite these challenges, Milroe’s season was not without its highlights. His dual-threat capability—mixing his powerful arm with a dangerous rushing attack—remained his greatest strength. Still, questions surrounding his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure persisted throughout the season.
Early Expectations and the Pressure to Perform
Coming off a season in which he had shown potential as Alabama’s starting quarterback, Milroe was expected to elevate his game in 2024. Alabama’s storied history of elite quarterbacks, from Joe Namath to Tua Tagovailoa, meant that any signal-caller stepping into the position at the helm of Nick Saban’s program would be under intense scrutiny. Milroe entered the 2024 campaign as a player who had flashed potential but had yet to fully capture the consistency required at the elite level. His ability to lead Alabama to a national championship was seen as a possibility, but with a few hurdles to overcome.
Milroe was thrust into the spotlight after Alabama’s former starting quarterback, Bryce Young, entered the NFL Draft, leaving the door open for the young quarterback to step in and take the reins. Milroe’s athleticism was apparent from the beginning; his ability to extend plays with his legs and keep defenses guessing made him a unique weapon. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that Milroe’s challenges were more than just technical; they were also mental.
A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Room for Improvement
One of the things that stood out most in Milroe’s 2024 season was his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Statistically, Milroe had a solid season as a dual-threat quarterback. He finished with over 2,800 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for nearly 700 yards and added another 20 rushing touchdowns. His rushing ability was a major asset for Alabama, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.
There were moments throughout the year where Milroe’s playmaking ability was on full display. For example, during a thrilling victory over Georgia, Milroe threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 117 yards and two more touchdowns. His ability to put the team on his back in critical moments was a key factor in Alabama’s success that season. In a dominant win against LSU, Milroe showcased his rushing ability, amassing a career-high 185 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Despite these individual highlights, Milroe’s performance was not without flaws. His passing accuracy, particularly in critical situations, was a major concern. Throughout the season, Milroe often struggled to make precise throws on short-to-intermediate routes, something that is essential for a quarterback at the college level, especially in Nick Saban’s pro-style offense. There were multiple instances where Milroe’s inability to connect on routine passes stalled drives and ultimately cost Alabama crucial points.
Additionally, Milroe’s decision-making became a point of contention. While his ability to make plays on the fly was impressive, he often showed impatience in the pocket. His tendency to force throws into tight windows or rely on his legs too early led to costly turnovers. Milroe finished the season with 11 interceptions, which reflected his ongoing struggles with reading defenses and making the right decisions under pressure.
The Ups and Downs of the 2024 Season
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride for Milroe and Alabama. There were games where Milroe looked like a future NFL star, and then there were games where he looked out of sync with the offense and his teammates. A good example of this was the early season loss to Texas, where Milroe threw two interceptions and struggled to move the ball downfield. That game was particularly frustrating for Milroe, as Alabama’s defense played well enough to win, but the offense—led by Milroe—couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
On the other hand, Milroe also showed growth and resilience as the season went on. In games against teams like Mississippi State and Auburn, Milroe displayed more maturity in his decision-making and showed improvement in his passing accuracy. Despite the losses and occasional struggles, these performances gave hope to Alabama fans that Milroe had the potential to be a successful quarterback at the collegiate level.
Challenges in the Passing Game
One of the most significant concerns about Milroe’s 2024 season was his inability to consistently produce in the passing game. For a quarterback in the modern era of college football, passing accuracy and decision-making are paramount. Milroe’s struggles in both areas were well-documented throughout the season, and they were particularly noticeable in critical situations. On third downs, Milroe’s completion percentage dropped significantly, and his inability to read defenses pre-snap often led to poor throws under pressure.
The inability to consistently throw with accuracy—especially on deep balls—was another issue for Milroe. His average yards per attempt dropped compared to previous seasons, which suggested that his downfield accuracy had regressed. This made it difficult for Alabama to stretch the field vertically, an important component of any high-powered offense.
To be fair, Milroe was not completely devoid of moments where his passing game shined. Against opponents like Arkansas and Kentucky, Milroe showcased impressive touch and accuracy on throws, leading to long touchdowns. But these moments were not enough to make up for the consistent inconsistency that defined much of his season.
The Mental Aspect: Decision-Making Under Pressure
When analyzing a quarterback’s growth, the mental aspect of the game is often the hardest to evaluate. Milroe’s mental toughness was put to the test multiple times during the season. His ability to make split-second decisions, remain calm in the face of adversity, and stay composed under pressure was inconsistent.
In some games, Milroe showed the poise of a seasoned veteran, calmly leading his team down the field in clutch moments. In others, however, he seemed to crumble under the weight of the moment, rushing his throws and making ill-advised decisions. As a result, his performance became a topic of debate among analysts and fans alike. Many felt that Milroe’s struggles were more mental than physical, with his decision-making preventing him from fully unlocking his potential.
Looking Ahead: The NFL Draft and Future Potential
Despite the ups and downs of his 2024 season, Jalen Milroe’s potential as a professional quarterback remains undeniable. His athleticism, combined with his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, makes him an intriguing prospect for the NFL. However, his performance during the season raised concerns about his ability to make it as a starting quarterback at the next level.
Milroe’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was met with mixed reactions. While his raw athleticism and playmaking ability undoubtedly caught the attention of NFL scouts, many wondered whether he would be able to overcome the flaws in his game that were evident in 2024. With the right coaching and time to develop, Milroe has the physical tools to succeed, but questions about his accuracy and decision-making will need to be addressed.
In the coming months, Milroe will likely be a project for whichever NFL team selects him, with the hope that he can continue to grow and refine his skills. There is no denying his immense potential, but whether he can translate that potential into sustained success at the professional level remains to be seen.