Alabama football will not compete for a national title in 2024. In their first season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama achieved notable wins over SEC champion Georgia, rival LSU, and ranked Missouri. However, they also suffered a surprising loss to Vanderbilt, their first since 1984, as well as defeats to a six-win Oklahoma team (24-3) and the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. This resulted in a three-loss season and an exclusion from the 2024 College Football Playoff. In the NIL era, players who aren’t in contention for a national title often opt out of bowl games if they are eyeing a new school or the pros.
However, on Thursday, Alabama’s star quarterback Jalen Milroe announced that he will participate in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan, though he has not made a commitment regarding the 2025 NFL Draft. Milroe, a two-year starter, enters the postseason as one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. While Milroe has confirmed his intention to play in the bowl game, his decision has divided fans.
Alabama Fans Divided on Jalen Milroe’s Bowl Decision
On October 19, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) handed the ball off to running back Jam Miller (26) during the second quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers. (Image credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images).
According to The Next Round on Twitter:
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe says he “will be playing” in Alabama’s bowl game against Michigan.
“The mission right now is to complete the season. We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan…”
On New Year’s Eve, Alabama will face Michigan in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl. As the first team left out of the College Football Playoff, Alabama will have Milroe for the game. Despite his struggles this season, including throwing just 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 games, Milroe’s decision to play is a surprise. His performance in Alabama’s 24-3 loss to Oklahoma, where he went 11-of-26 for 164 yards and three interceptions, was particularly disappointing.
Milroe’s inconsistent season follows a Heisman-caliber year in 2023, when he threw for 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Given his struggles as a passer this year, many fans expected Milroe to declare for the NFL. With him opting to return for the bowl game—and potentially another season—many fans are uncertain about the direction of the quarterback position and the program’s future.
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