DeBoer and Alabama know what’s expected from them during the upcoming college football campaign. Last year’s disheartening results were not what the Crimson Tide expected—nor believed they could aspire to.

In the first year post-Nick Saban, Alabama was in for a rude awakening. However, DeBoer and the Script A are determined to right the ship and prove last season was a fluke. Milroe is no longer on campus, but the goal remains unchanged for the Crimson Tide.

Reports now indicate that Alabama has found its new starting quarterback for the 2025 NCAA season. After a long offseason battle between Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, and Keelon Russell, a winner has finally emerged. But make no mistake—the two signal-callers left on the bench won’t go down without a fight, and their numbers could be called at any point this season.

According to insider Pete Nakos, Ty Simpson will be the number one quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide to start the 2025 NCAA season.

Keeping it short and simple

In addition to the reports circulating around college football, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has now confirmed the staff’s decision on who will lead the offense next season.

“Hey guys, Ty Simpson’s our starter,” Grubb said on his opening statement after the Crimson Tide’s practice on Tuesday.

The redshirt junior quarterback stood out throughout the Tide’s camps and defeated true freshman Russell and redshirt sophomore Mack for the starting job in Tuscaloosa.

First test

Simpson has been with the program since 2022, yet he has yet to make his debut as a starter. So far in his college football career, the QB has seen the field in 16 games but thrown for just 29 completions, 381 yards, and no touchdowns. However, he has rushed for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Simpson and the Crimson Tide will kickstart the 2025 NCAA season on August 30 when they visit the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Earlier this offseason, the Seahawks made several changes to their offense. With Geno Smith out, the NFC West club acquired three different quarterbacks to compete for the starting role.

While many believe Sam Darnold is the clear favorite, his job is not entirely secure. Jalen Milroe is determined to fight for it, and his performance in the preseason opener sent a strong statement to the veteran.

Jalen Milroe gets real on preseason debut with Seahawks

Russell Wilson’s departure in 2023 left a major void in Seattle. The team gave Geno Smith a chance to lead the offense, and the veteran quarterback delivered a solid tenure.

However, his performances caught the attention of the rest of the league. Geno Smith left the Seahawks earlier this year to join the Raiders on a lucrative deal, leaving Seattle without a proven starter for 2025.

To address the situation, the Seahawks rebuilt their quarterback room. They signed Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, and selected Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The rookie made his debut for Seattle in their preseason opener against the Raiders, playing the entire second half. He led one touchdown drive and finished 6-of-10 passing for 61 yards. After the game, Milroe reflected on his performance and sent a message to Sam Darnold and Drew Lock about the competition.

“I think the best thing for all of us is to regroup, but also build on this game. I think that’s so important,” rookie QB Jalen Milroe said postgame. “As you go on any journey, you have to start somewhere. With that, you’re able to look upon what we did well, what we didn’t, and just try to build upon that, get one percent better as we have this opportunity. For me, it was just awesome to be in Lumen Field. That was my first time here in the stadium. So now the biggest thing is to keep on building and see every opportunity for us to get better.”

Will Jalen Milroe be the QB2 behind Sam Darnold?

While Sam Darnold is widely regarded as the starter, anything could happen moving forward. Many fans believe the Seahawks should not trust him blindly, citing his struggles during his tenure with the Jets.

The QB2 competition is between Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe. Lock has more experience, but he has struggled to meet expectations, and analysts believe he could eventually be relegated to the third spot behind the rookie.

The Seattle Seahawks have a starting quarterback in Sam Darnold, but they still drafted Jalen Milroe in the third round as they look to the future. Now, the Alabama alumn had some words for a divisional rival in Brock Purdy, quarterback from the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, usually when someone just comes out and talk about a divisional rival is not in a friendly way. However, Milroe’s words were not only good, but also hinted his admiration towards Purdy.

Speaking to Eric Williams of Fox Sports, Milroe said, “What’s unique about Brock is he played in the same system that I’m in right now.” Milroe then added, “So, it’s been great to see the tape and see some of our reads and play calls and watching him play.”

Milroe also went ahead and stated his admiration about Purdy’s discipline in the pocket. While Seahawks‘ fans might not be thrilled that their new draft pick is admiring a divisional rival, it’s hard to deny what Milroe is saying.

Purdy has overcame all the odds

From being drafted as Mr. Irrelevant to signing a $265 million contract extension, Purdy has done really well. He got his opportunity after the 49ers got swamped in injuries. Since then, Purdy never let go of the wheel and is now one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.

Purdy has guided the 49ers to a Super Bowl, but even further than that, he has silenced plenty of doubters. Purdy has a career completion percentage of 67.5. He has thrown for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He has gone to a Pro-Bowl and in 2023, he was fourth in the MVP voting. At only 25 years old, Purdy has still lots of potential to be even better.

Milroe likely to sit this year

Jalen Milroe has big plans for his career, but the likely scenario is his rookie year will be on the sidelines. He will start as Sam Darnold’s backup in Seattle. While Darnold is in the midst of a career resurgence, Milroe can still learn from him and get ready to seize his opportunity when it presents to him.

Four years playing for Alabama, Milroe comes from a blue-blood college football program. He fully started two years for the Crimson Tide. His last season wasn’t great. He threw 16 TDs to 11 INTs and only 2,844 yards. However, he will have the chance to prove himself in the big leagues. It just seems it won’t be on his rookie year.

At the end of the 2024 NFL season, rumors suggested that the Seahawks would take a new direction at the quarterback position. They ultimately moved on from Geno Smith and searched for another veteran to replace him.

Seattle found Sam Darnold available after he parted ways with the Vikings. However, they also added Jalen Milroe in the draft, and now everyone is wondering whether the rookie will take over as the starter.

Seahawks give major update on Jalen Milroe’s competition with Sam Darnold

When the Seahawks announced Sam Darnold as their newest quarterback, fans were thrilled. He had a solid stint with the Vikings and appeared to be the missing piece to lead Seattle back to contention.

However, things shifted slightly in recent weeks. During the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle selected Jalen Milroe, the standout from Alabama who was regarded as a top-tier quarterback prospect.

His arrival raised questions among Seahawks fans. Many believe that, despite Darnold’s contract, Milroe could eventually take over as starter—similar to what happened with the Falcons in the Cousins–Penix Jr. situation.

Nevertheless, the Seahawks are not rushing the process. General Manager John Schneider confirmed that while Milroe’s talent is undeniable, the team understands he’ll need time to fully develop before stepping into a starting role.

“Obviously, [Jalen Milroe has a] high ceiling,” Schneider said on the Rich Eisen Show. “All these guys that come in — last year’s class was kind of a unicorn, really. But all these guys coming in, it takes a minute. It takes a lot of time for these guys to develop and get those pro reps. And, you know, [he had] several different coordinators, I think like three or four coordinators in college and several different position coaches. So, again, getting him in a system where he can be comfortable. And the staff’s going to try to do some unique things with him, the offensive staff.“

What is Sam Darnold’s contract with the Seattle Seahawks?

Even though Geno Smith’s tenure with the Seahawks wasn’t terrible, it fell short of the team’s expectations. As a result, they signed Sam Darnold to a significant deal to lead the offense moving forward.

The Seahawks handed Darnold a 3-year, $100.5 million contract this offseason, with $55 million guaranteed. Still, the addition of Jalen Milroe clearly shows the team views the former Alabama star as the potential long-term answer at quarterback.

One of the defining traits of the former Alabama quarterback’s game was his athleticism — a quality that even drew comparisons to elite playmakers like Lamar Jackson. However, Milroe himself has acknowledged the need to develop other aspects of his skill set, particularly his ability as a passer, in order to reach the next level.

In a recent conversation with the media, the former Bama QB reflected on his mindset heading into this new chapter. Milroe emphasized the importance of giving everything he’s got in order to rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at the next level.

“The biggest thing is everything works from the ground up at the quarterback position,” Milroe said, via Seattle Sports. “It’s understanding the lower-half mechanics of how I operate. Every quarterback is different, and so . . . it’s understanding how to distribute my body when it comes to the lower-half mechanics.

“That’s been a focus for us. It’s all about being an efficient passer. And so the more you work, the more you understand your body, you’re going to be more of an efficient passer. So that’s something that we continue to work on.”

A quarterback room built to compete

Geno Smith’s departure to the Raiders left a major void at a key position for Mike Macdonald’s squad. Fortunately for Seattle, that vacancy was quickly addressed with the signing of Sam Darnold, fresh off a successful campaign in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings.

The most recent NFL Draft was a savvy one for Seattle, who, among other notable picks, made sure to secure the talent of Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick in the third round.

Last but not least, the Seahawks secured the services of Drew Lock, who joined the team as a backup option after coming over from the New York Giants. With this move, the head coach can rest easy knowing one of the most important positions on the roster is well-covered heading into the upcoming season.

In a recent conversation with the press published on nbcsports.com, Seattle’s head coach revealed the strategy for utilizing Milroe. The coaching staff plans to use him exclusively as a quarterback, not wasting his talent on other positions.

“Jalen is a quarterback through and through. He’s going to be trained to play quarterback for us. When he’s in there, he’s going to be playing quarterback. But the athleticism is going to come to life when he’s on the field. That’s how he’s going to help us,” Macdonald firmly stated.

His comments came in response to the potential use of Milroe in another position. It’s worth noting that the team’s current offensive coordinator, Klink Kubiak, employed this strategy with Taysom Hill during his time with the New Orleans Saints.

“The way they used him was more in a tight end-fullback hybrid role, sometimes taking snaps,” Macdonald told reporters regarding this situation about Hill.

Macdonald highlights Milroe’s standout trait

The Seahawks’ decision to secure Milroe’s services is no coincidence. In a press conversation, Mike Macdonald revealed the main reasons that convinced him to keep the quarterback in the recent NFL Draft.

“Quarterbacks that extend the play are incredibly difficult to defend,” the head coach said. “The worst feeling in the world is you play the first play of the play perfectly on defense, you defend it. ‘All right, sweet. We did it.’ Then the guy still has the ball. You’ve got to defend the next play, sometimes a third play. He can kill you in the first play, the second play, the third play. It’s not a fun existence to live consistently. He has that ability.”

While Darnold is expected to take the reins for Seattle starting in Week 1, the bet on Milroe to fully develop his potential in the long term is a reality. Macdonald can rest easy knowing his quarterback corps is well-covered.

Geno Smith’s departure to the Raiders marked a major shift at the quarterback position for the Seahawks. With the arrivals of Darnold and even Drew Lock, it seemed the issue had been addressed — but the front office felt it was essential to add Jalen Milroe to further strengthen the QB room.

Selected with the 92nd overall pick in the NFL Draft, Jalen Milroe — who was recently coached by Kalen DeBoer in college football — couldn’t hide his excitement about heading to Seattle, emphasizing that the Emerald City, might be his “perfect spot.”

“This is definitely a dream come true,” Milroe said in a conference call, per the team website. “The best thing about it is I was gathered with family throughout this whole process. It’s definitely a unique journey for sure, not knowing where you’ll go, but it’s all about that right spot, and I know I’m in the right spot moving forward.”

Milroe’s confidence in what lies ahead

The arrival of Jalen Milroe certainly doesn’t pose an immediate threat to Sam Darnold‘s position as the starting quarterback under head coach Mike Macdonald. However, the former Alabama standout made it clear to the media that he plans to use this entire process to improve his skills and be fully prepared when his opportunity eventually comes.

“There’s nothing I can’t do on the football field,” he said. “Are there things I can improve on? Absolutely. But there’s nothing I can’t do on the football field. I’ve thrown every type of touchdown, stepped up in the pocket, thrown on the run, gone through my progressions, I’ve thrown a checkdown that scored, I’ve used my legs. When looking, pick and choose what you want on the field, I can do it.

“I say that humbly, not over-arrogant, it’s just more knowing what I bring to the table and knowing that it’s a different dynamic on the football field that I know I’m going to utilize in the NFL.”

Beneath college football’s brightest lights, Jalen Milroe is quickly making noise. The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback isn’t just fast on his feet — he’s fast becoming one of the most intriguing young talents in the NCAA.

From Texas roots to Tuscaloosa fame, he brings the kind of size, speed and strength that scream dual-threat. His path hasn’t been flawless, but his highlight reel and growth under pressure speak volumes about his upside.

With Alabama entering a post-Bryce Young era, he stands at the heart of a new offensive identity. His age, frame and raw ability have turned heads, and his full story is just beginning to unfold…

How old is Jalen Milroe?

Jalen Milroe was born on December 13, 2002, which makes him 22 years old as of April 2025. A native of Katy, Texas, he has quickly risen from high school standout to the face of Alabama’s offense — a journey still gaining momentum.

How tall is Jalen Milroe?

At 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), Milroe brings the kind of physical presence coaches dream of in a dual-threat quarterback. His frame allows him to navigate pressure in the pocket while maintaining the explosiveness needed to escape and create.

What is Jalen Milroe’s weight?

Milroe weighs in at 225 pounds (102 kg), a solid build that complements his play style. Whether powering through defenders or absorbing contact on the move, his weight plays a key role in his durability and versatility on the field.

Who is Jalen Milroe’s coach?

Jalen Milroe is coached by Kalen DeBoer, who took over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024 after the retirement of college football icon Nick Saban. Together, they’ve redefined what Alabama football looks like in a post-Saban era.

DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa fresh off a historic run with the Washington Huskies, where he led the team to the national championship game. His offensive pedigree and quarterback-centric approach marked a bold shift for Alabama, one that seemed tailor-made for Milroe’s dynamic skill set.

Replacing a legend is never easy, but he wasted no time installing a fast-paced, aggressive system built around playmaking. For Milroe, the transition offered new challenges and freedom. The QB who once relied mostly on raw athleticism began to evolve into a more complete field general under DeBoer’s mentorship.

Jalen Milroe’s career highlights

• Led Alabama to the College Football Playoff in 2023: After a rocky start to the season, Milroe found his rhythm and helped guide the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship and a CFP berth, proving he could carry the team on the biggest stage.

• Finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2023: Competing against the nation’s best, Milroe’s breakout season earned him national recognition — a sign of how far he’d come since entering the program as a backup.

• Threw for over 2,800 yards and ran for more than 500 yards: With 23 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing scores, Milroe demonstrated his dual-threat abilities, often turning broken plays into explosive gains with his legs.

• Scored five total touchdowns in the Iron Bowl against Auburn: In one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, Milroe delivered a statement performance, solidifying his role as Alabama’s offensive leader.

• Posted a 65% completion rate in 2023: Known initially more for his athleticism than accuracy, Milroe silenced critics by improving his decision-making and consistency under pressure.

Jackson is arguably one of the most athletic QB’s in the league, and much of his success can be attributed to his physical prowess on the field. His speed and explosiveness as a runner have served the former Louisville standout well — in addition to possessing a powerful arm capable of delivering deep throws.

Milroe is widely considered one of the quarterbacks with the highest upside in the upcoming Draft. Among his many standout traits is his lower-body strength, which makes him one of the fastest at his position.

It’s a topic that’s sparked plenty of discussion — and when asked by Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams whether he believes he’s faster than Lamar Jackson, the former Alabama star didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Milroe receives praise ahead of NFL arrival

Jalen Milroe possesses exceptional physical tools, which have made him one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s Draft — widely projected to be selected within the top 10 picks. His talent is largely rooted in his athleticism and raw power, giving him a clear edge over many of his peers at the position.

One of the figures to acknowledge Milroe’s potential was none other than Andrew Berry, general manager of the Cleveland Browns — a team that has emerged as a potential landing spot for the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback.

“When he gets in the NFL, he may be the only quarterback who’s faster than Lamar,” Berry firmly stated to the press. “Don’t tell Lamar I said that, please.”

Where could Jalen Milroe land in the upcoming NFL Draft?

With his elite athleticism, powerful arm, and dynamic playmaking ability, Jalen Milroe has positioned himself as a top-10 talent in this year’s NFL Draft. Several teams in need of a long-term answer at quarterback are keeping a close eye on the former Alabama standout — and among them, the Cleveland Browns are starting to generate serious buzz. Despite already having experienced QB’s on the roster, rumors suggest that the organization is exploring future options at the position, and Andrew Berry’s recent praise of Milroe has only fueled the speculation.

Another team to watch is the New York Giants. Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities would bring a fresh dynamic to Brian Daboll’s offense. The Las Vegas Raiders are also in the mix, currently rebuilding under new leadership and lacking a clear franchise QB. Milroe’s raw talent and upside make him a strong fit for a team looking to develop a new identity under center.

Though Milroe’s performance throughout the 2024 NCAA season was quite polarizing, with many sharing their skepticism, there was no one else in the Crimson Tide’s program who could challenge him for the number one spot in the depth chart.

However, that’s all changed after Milroe declared for the Draft. Now, DeBoer and Alabama boast a deep QB room with different talents in it. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are battling for the starting job in Tuscaloosa.

Each quarterback brings a unique skill set and level of experience: Simpson, a redshirt junior; Mack, a redshirt sophomore; and Russell, who is in his first year of college football, which, in hindsight, puts him slightly behind in the competition.

Following Alabama’s A-Day, which replaced the school’s spring game, Grubb issued a bold confession, hinting at who is expected to be the Tide’s new QB1.

“If we’re playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start,” Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb stated, per BamaOnLine.

Big shoes to fill

The Crimson Tide has seen some elite quarterback talent in recent years, setting the bar high for Simpson, or whoever takes over under center for Alabama. Standing where stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Bryce Young, and Jalen Milroe have stood, the new signal caller for the ‘Script A’ will need to have nerves of steel.

Uncertainty is the best word to describe Alabama’s status quo heading into the 2025 NCAA season. They’ve seen a very limited sample size from their three potential quarterbacks, and the clock is ticking for DeBoer to make an official decision and stick with it heading into the fall.

In a recent interview with the press, the former starting quarterback under Kalen DeBoer shared his thoughts on his relationship with Jalen Hurts and the impact the QB has on each game he plays with his team in the league.

“What I take from him is seeing how right looks like. Throughout the whole period of time, with him keeping his head down, continues to grind, keep refining his skillset, and just keep elevating. To me, that’s important in itself, whether it’s on the field and off the field, you look at the impact he had off the field — people misinterpret that as well,” Milroe shared on NFL Live.

Milroe stood out last season at Alabama for his impressive running ability, in addition to having an outstanding statistical campaign. Now, all that remains to be seen is what the future holds for him once the upcoming NFL Draft kicks off.

How Hurts has inspired Milroe

Jalen Milroe has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Jalen Hurts, highlighting not only the respect he has for the Eagles’ quarterback, but also the close relationship the two share. Milroe, who led the Crimson Tide during the most recent college football season, has made it clear that he hopes to achieve at least a portion of what Hurts has accomplished in Philadelphia.

“As a player that aspires to go to the NFL, it’s always unique that each starting quarterback in the league does something right. They have a certain skill set and a certain presence about them that makes them a starting quarterback. And he’s definitely one of them.”

While there’s still uncertainty surrounding where Jalen Milroe will land in the upcoming NFL Draft, speculation continues to swirl. Some analysts believe he could be selected early, while others suggest his stock may have slipped in recent projections. One way or another, all eyes will be on April 24th to see where the former Alabama quarterback begins his professional journey.