Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has navigated a whirlwind season en route to the College Football Playoff. His journey saw him earn the starting role, face adversity, and ultimately lead his team to the SEC title, securing a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl showdown against Michigan.
However, if he had heeded the advice of a former Alabama coach, this remarkable ride might have taken a different turn.
During a recent media interaction, Milroe recounted a conversation with former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien early in his college career. O’Brien had suggested that Milroe’s future might not lie at the quarterback position.
Milroe reflected on O’Brien’s words, saying, “How would you feel if I told you that you suck? The biggest thing for me is to be true to myself and stay the same. Nothing changed about me. The only thing that changed was that I had the opportunity, and I seized it. For me, it was to stay true to myself and add a bigger purpose to anyone’s opinion … He told me a bunch of positions that I could have switched to, but look where I’m at right now. Who gets the last laugh?”
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, Milroe’s transformation throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite early-season struggles that led to a brief benching, he has evolved into one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Milroe boasts impressive stats, with 2,718 passing yards, 468 rushing yards, and a total of 35 touchdowns (23 passing, 12 rushing). Perhaps most notably, he has thrown just one interception since November began.
Credit for Milroe’s resurgence also goes to first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who adjusted the offensive strategy to align more closely with Milroe’s strengths. The result has been a quarterback who ranks third in the nation in yards per attempt (10.4), trailing only LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and Kansas’ Jason Bean in this category.
Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has taken notice of Milroe’s remarkable turnaround. He acknowledged Milroe’s elite-level play and the evident improvement over the course of the season. Harbaugh commended Milroe’s athleticism, timing, decision-making, and accuracy, highlighting his effectiveness within the system designed by the Alabama coaching staff.
Alabama, ranked fourth, is set to face top-ranked Michigan in the Rose Bowl, scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m. ET. The matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse programs, with Milroe’s resurgence adding an intriguing element to the game.