Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is gearing up to face a formidable Michigan defense in the College Football Playoff semifinal, but ESPN analyst Booger McFarland is already looking ahead to Milroe’s Heisman Trophy chances in 2024.
Just days after LSU’s Jayden Daniels secured the prestigious Heisman award, McFarland boldly predicted that Milroe would be a front-runner for the coveted trophy in the upcoming season. He expressed confidence in Alabama’s potential, even if they encounter a slow start, citing a more experienced roster and the team’s overall improvement.
McFarland stated, “I think Jalen Milroe will be the favorite to win the Heisman when the season starts next year,” during the SEC Network’s schedule reveal. He acknowledged that while the team will lose standout Dallas Turner, the overall strength and maturity of Alabama’s defense would be even better than the current season.
“I think Jalen Milroe will be the favorite to win the Heisman when the season starts next year.” @ESPNBooger‘s has high expectations for @AlabamaFTBL in 2024 👀 pic.twitter.com/xnkaNbG8eM
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 14, 2023
Milroe’s journey as Alabama’s starting quarterback in his sophomore season had its share of ups and downs. After a rocky start that included two interceptions in a Week 2 loss to Texas, he was briefly benched by Coach Nick Saban. However, Milroe rebounded impressively, leading the Crimson Tide to ten consecutive victories after reclaiming his role. He heads into the College Football Playoff with notable stats, including 2,718 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Pro Football Focus ranks Milroe as the 11th best among 309 eligible FBS quarterbacks. Notably, several of the quarterbacks ahead of him, such as Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and Drake Maye, are expected to enter the NFL draft.
Before setting his sights on the Heisman Trophy, Milroe will kick off the 2024 season with a challenging matchup against Michigan. The Wolverines boast the nation’s second-ranked total defense, allowing a mere 9.5 points per game. A strong performance in the Rose Bowl would undoubtedly bolster McFarland’s prediction of Milroe being the betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy in the upcoming season.