Jalen Milroe, the quarterback carrying the hopes of the Alabama Crimson Tide, has received an enormous boost of confidence from Kalen DeBoer. The head coach praised the athlete and confirmed his role as the starting QB in the upcoming season. But that’s not all!

Building on his performance last season, Jalen Milroe is now a formidable contender for the esteemed Heisman Trophy. Placing a commendable sixth in the previous Heisman race, Milroe’s odds have significantly improved. Currently, he stands at a respectable fourth place with +1000 odds, trailing Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Even the top spot, currently held by Georgia’s Carson Beck, is within reach with +750 odds.

However, the hype surrounding Milroe extends beyond just the numbers. With the regular season yet to begin, he has plenty of time to solidify his position.

In a recent interview with Tide Illustrated, DeBoer confirmed Milroe’s role this year and showered the young athlete with high praise. DeBoer described Milroe as someone who “just comes to the practice facility with a smile on his face” and added that the “energy about him has become contagious.” 

DeBoer also commended Milroe’s work ethic, highlighting how he “comes in every day ready to learn and get better.” He elaborated, “He shows it in the questions he asks and the way he works. It’s been really cool seeing his growth, and he’s headed in a great direction.” Jalen Milroe has clearly impressed the coach, who acknowledged his effort, stating, “He’s put in a lot of work.”

DeBoer didn’t stop there. He further praised the quarterback’s current form, saying, “He’s looking really sharp right now in everything that he’s doing…He’s really done a good job pushing this whole thing forward.” Now, DeBoer’s backing goes beyond words. He’s also making efforts to push Milroe into Heisman contention. 

Jalen Milroe’s Heisman hopes reignited in Alabama

Doubts swirled around Jalen Milroe’s Heisman chances when the legendary Nick Saban left Alabama, and Kalen DeBoer stepped in. Fans worried about the impact the change would have on their star quarterback. But DeBoer seems to turn the tide. 

CFP analyst J.D. Pickell recently observed a significant shift during his interview with DeBoer. When asked about how they’d use “Milroe’s leg” (his running ability), DeBoer’s response was interpreted as a promise “to make sure that we utilize the best athletes on the field’s abilities.” This, combined with DeBoer’s implementation of QB-specific strategies like pre-snap reads to enhance Milroe’s play, has convinced Pickell that Milroe is a “Heisman finalist” in the making.

Now, it looks like DeBoer’s actions point toward a dual focus: leading Alabama to a championship while simultaneously pushing Jalen Milroe for Heisman glory.