The Alabama Crimson Tide squad hit the practice field on Thursday, and as per the current buzz, there will be zero opt-outs against Michigan, which resembles a 2022 Sugar Bowl when big names like Bryce Young and Will Anderson committed to the Bowl game after missing the college football playoff. Basically, it sounds like the Crimson Tide is going to be a full team against Michigan. Amidst all that, what does Kalen Deboer’s QB1 Jalen Milroe plan for the year 2025?

It seems the QB has finally decided his fate. In the recent episode of the Alabama football report on YouTube, an insider shared what Jalen Milroe’s potential next move could be as the season just ended. “Next year, it’s going to be a really talented group. It’s going to be in a position to do a lot of special things next year. I’m excited for those guys, for the opportunity that’s presented to them.”

The host pointed out that the way Milroe talked about the 2025 quarterback room leaves a big hint. He was praising the group, calling them “really talented,” but notice how he was talking about them, not including himself. Words like “those guys” and “them” make it clear he’s already passing the torch and looking ahead to life beyond Alabama.

“The way he answered the question makes me really assume that, yes, this will be the las game for Jalen Milroe as the quarterback of the Alabama Crimson Tide,” the host stated. But for now, the QB knows where his focus is supposed to be.

As per the Alabama Football report, the athlete stated, “The mission right now is just complete the season. We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan, and that’s the whole thought process right now—being our absolute best so we can take care of our business when it goes to play in Tampa.”

The game against Michigan will take place on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. This will be an important game because from January 1, 2000 – January 1, 2024, both teams have been 2-2. And that same stat is 3-3 from January 2, 1988, to January 1, 2024.

But coming back to the discussion at hand, the host explained that even when asked about his future, Milroe didn’t offer any direct hints about returning, transferring, or going pro. But pair these comments with his recent accolades—Academic Heisman winner, team MVP, and captain—and the picture gets clear. He has accomplished everything he set out to do in Tuscaloosa. The way he frames the Michigan game as “one more mission” feels like the perfect sign-off before making his jump to the NFL. That being said, let us look at the awards he recently slipped into his pockets.

Jalen Milroe took home big achievements

On Tuesday, Milroe was named the 2024 winner of the William V. Campbell Trophy, an honor recognizing academic excellence, football performance, and leadership. He’s just the second Alabama player to win the award, joining Barrett Jones (2012), and will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.

Two days later, Milroe became the first Alabama player to win the Pop Warner Little Scholars College Football Award, further highlighting his achievements as a student-athlete. His impressive career includes 77 total touchdowns, 5,824 passing yards, 1,570 rushing yards, and a December 2023 graduation cum laude with a 3.52 GPA. He’s also a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and is completing a master’s degree in sports management.

Milroe confirmed Thursday that he will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan, saying he’s focused on finishing the season strong with his teammates. “It’s all about going 1-0 and preparing the right way, so that’s my focus––winning the game, taking care of my body and being the best us,” he stated.

Like the QB, no Alabama players have opted out of the bowl game, which has been a trend across college football as several players from various programs chose not to play during the postseason so that they could start prepping for the NFL Draft.

What do you think is next for Milroe? Let us know in the comments below.