The story of Jalen Milroe is one for the books—a “fall” that’s not really a fall. From being dismissed as a joke in 2024 to ranking among the top quarterbacks in 2023, it’s been a wild ride. During that so-called “fall,” Milroe was thriving, starting strong for Alabama. He won three straight games, even routing the Bulldogs. But things took a turn.

On Saturday, Milroe didn’t meet expectations. Alabama, ranked No. 7, suffered a shocking 24-3 loss to Oklahoma. Milroe’s poor performance had critics buzzing, but national commentator Aaron Torres stepped in with a perspective check. On November 24, Torres posted on X: “Against arguably a tougher schedule a year ago, Nick Saban coached around Jalen Milroe’s limitations, went 11-1, undefeated in the SEC, and won the league title.” The takeaway? Under Saban, Milroe thrived. Alabama is currently 8-3, and the contrast between Saban’s results and the current season has sparked debate.

Some argue that Kalen DeBoer hasn’t managed Milroe as effectively as Saban did. However, Torres defended DeBoer, stating: “I still think Kalen Deboer will be really good at Bama. But a reminder: There’s only one GOAT.” Indeed, Saban’s legacy looms large. With a tougher schedule last year, he guided Alabama to an SEC title and helped Milroe finish sixth in the Heisman race.

However, it is guaranteed that today’s performance by the quarterback against the Sooners is below average. Without scoring a touchdown, the junior quarterback completed 11-of-26 for a meager 164 yards and three interceptions. Additionally, Milroe only gained seven rush yards on 15 tries. Nonetheless, he amassed 2718 passing yards, scored 23 touchdowns, and kept his completion rate at 63% while under Saban. Plus, he demonstrated his dual-threat ability as a quarterback by rushing for 600 yards and scoring nine rushing scores. 

So, why all the hype for a QB who had a subpar season? Fans and analysts are already questioning his future, with John Tatly even tweeting, “Ty Simpson time for Alabama?” after their loss to the Oklahoma Sooner. And if Milroe isn’t the answer, who is?

Who’s next in line after Jalen Milroe?

Look at this quarterback’s tragedy this season. You must remember that his complete mid-season slump does not look good on his resume. Mike Gillespie recently criticized him, stating that if Milroe chooses to stay with the squad for another season, Bama won’t be doing well. However, it is equally undeniable that this man is the best in that field, provided he adopts the proper attitude. As Josh Pate once said, “I‘d roll with Milroe every day if you could guarantee me 100% of him.” The question now is, though, who will DeBoer turn to after Milroe leaves?

Three successors to the quarterback throne have emerged after Bama defeated Mercer with a huge 52-7 run. You see, DeBoer and Kane Wommack’s D-line was the best in the entire game. Mercer was not allowed to run the football by these people. On top of this, three other players took Milroe’s place on the offense after he finished his carries. Austin Mack, Dylan Lonergan, and Ty Simpson. And it’s reasonable to assume that DeBoer has a wide range of choices when it comes to selecting Milroe’s replacement.

Simpson entered the game and completed five passes for a total of nearly 70 yards. Lonergan caught 23 yards, and Mack scored one touchdown. Although these numbers aren’t very impressive, the way these three backup quarterbacks performed on the field demonstrated their ability to be the best in the future. Tide supporters are likely eager to watch the team’s future develop!