The Alabama Crimson Tide’s rookie quarterback is compared to Jayden Daniels.

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s rookie quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has faced considerable attention as he stepped into the starting role, with many pundits and analysts drawing comparisons between him and LSU’s standout signal caller, Jayden Daniels. Both players possess a unique blend of athleticism, mobility, and arm talent, but their respective styles and trajectories in college football make for an intriguing juxtaposition. In this analysis, we will examine the key aspects of both quarterbacks’ skills, their playing styles, their impact on their teams, and the future of Alabama and LSU’s offenses, while also diving into what it means to compare Milroe and Daniels at this stage of their careers.

The Athleticism and Mobility

A significant factor in the comparison between Milroe and Daniels is their athleticism and ability to impact the game with their legs. Both quarterbacks are more than capable of extending plays, breaking free from would-be tacklers, and gaining significant yardage on the ground. This mobility is often a key asset in college football, especially in an age where dual-threat quarterbacks are increasingly prevalent in both the SEC and nationwide.

Jalen Milroe’s Athleticism:

Jalen Milroe, the former four-star recruit out of Katy, Texas, was thrust into action during the 2022 season due to an injury to Bryce Young, and he showcased his electrifying athleticism in his limited playing time. Milroe’s physical traits immediately caught attention: standing at 6’2″ and weighing 212 pounds, his frame is sturdy enough to handle contact but still nimble enough to escape pressure. His 40-yard dash time of 4.5 seconds further illustrates his speed.

Milroe’s ability to scramble and pick up yards when the pocket breaks down is a fundamental part of his skill set. In the 2022 season, in limited action, Milroe had several notable rushing performances, including a 12-carry, 91-yard game against Arkansas, where his ability to keep plays alive helped open up the field for Alabama’s offense. Milroe’s running style is more powerful than fluid; he’s not as elusive as some of the smaller quarterbacks in college football, but he’s tough to bring down. This ability to use his legs to escape pressure is something that can elevate Alabama’s offense in ways that traditional pocket passers might not.

Jayden Daniels’ Athleticism:

Jayden Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State, brought a different level of athleticism to LSU when he arrived in Baton Rouge in 2022. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, Daniels is slightly taller but still possesses the nimbleness and burst that can make defenders miss in the open field. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash time mirrors Milroe’s, but Daniels is arguably a more refined athlete. His ability to elude tacklers, combined with his smooth acceleration, makes him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.

In his first season at LSU, Daniels finished with over 800 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his elite running ability. However, unlike Milroe, Daniels also demonstrated a more polished ability to manage the pocket and avoid pressure with subtle, quick movements. His escapability is not just about turning upfield for chunk yards, but also about resetting and finding passing lanes when he’s under duress, a skill that is often overlooked but critical for quarterbacks in today’s game.

Passing Accuracy and Arm Strength

While both quarterbacks are dynamic runners, their passing ability is what ultimately defines their roles as quarterbacks. In terms of passing, there are some key distinctions between Milroe and Daniels.

Jalen Milroe’s Arm Strength:

Milroe is often praised for his arm strength, with the ability to throw the deep ball with ease. His arm can get the ball downfield in a hurry, and he has demonstrated the capability to connect on deep passes, especially when he’s able to set his feet and deliver from a stable pocket. His deep throws, however, have sometimes been inconsistent, with his accuracy on long passes being a potential area for growth. Milroe has also struggled with decision-making at times, leading to some turnovers, but that is not uncommon for a young quarterback. His deep-ball potential gives Alabama the opportunity to open up the field, but his overall consistency as a passer is something that he needs to improve to solidify his role as the leader of the offense.

Jayden Daniels’ Passing:

On the other hand, Daniels has been much more consistent in his passing accuracy, particularly when targeting short to intermediate routes. His mechanics have been well coached, and he has demonstrated a sharp, quick release. Daniels excels at making touch passes, and his ability to put the ball in the right place for his receivers is a huge asset to LSU’s offense. In 2022, Daniels finished the season with over 2,900 passing yards, a reflection of his ability to get the ball to his playmakers in space.

Despite not having quite the raw arm strength that Milroe possesses, Daniels has developed a reputation for being able to make all the necessary throws. He also thrives when given time to make decisions, showing patience and a willingness to go through progressions. One of Daniels’ strengths is his ability to mix his running and passing game seamlessly, making it difficult for defenders to know whether to focus on containing him as a runner or challenging him as a passer.

Leadership and Mentality

Beyond physical attributes, leadership and mentality are crucial aspects of the comparison between Milroe and Daniels. Quarterbacks are not only expected to perform on the field but to lead their teams in high-pressure moments. How they handle adversity, work through challenges, and keep their team motivated is what often separates the great quarterbacks from the good ones.

Jalen Milroe’s Leadership:

Milroe, as a first-year starter, is still learning how to command the huddle and handle the nuances of being Alabama’s quarterback. However, there are signs that he has the potential to grow into a leader of the team. Alabama’s success over the years has been built on strong defensive play and a powerful rushing game, but with Milroe under center, the offense may need to take a more dynamic approach. Milroe’s ability to carry the team with his legs, particularly when the passing game struggles, has given him a degree of confidence in leading the offense. However, to become the player Alabama needs him to be, Milroe will need to prove his consistency and ability to stay calm in pressure situations, especially in high-stakes SEC matchups.

Jayden Daniels’ Leadership:

Daniels, by contrast, has had a bit more time to grow into his leadership role at LSU. After transferring to Baton Rouge, Daniels quickly became the focal point of the offense. He showed resilience in leading LSU through a season of ups and downs, handling adversity with poise. His ability to stay calm and composed in late-game situations, along with his veteran experience, has made him a clear leader on and off the field. His leadership qualities are apparent in the way he communicates with teammates, particularly the way he works in tandem with the offensive line and wide receivers to make quick adjustments during games.

Daniels has shown the ability to lead teams to victory in tight situations, most notably in LSU’s comeback win against Alabama in 2022. His leadership is complemented by a clear understanding of the offense, and his connection with his coaches and teammates only strengthens his presence in the huddle.

The Future of Milroe and Daniels

As of now, Jalen Milroe and Jayden Daniels are on slightly different trajectories. Milroe has the physical traits and potential to become a dominant force in college football, but he still faces challenges in terms of consistency as a passer and managing pressure. His raw talent is undeniable, but his development over the next few seasons will be key to Alabama’s hopes of continuing their dominance in the SEC and national picture.

Daniels, on the other hand, enters 2025 with more experience and a clearer grasp of his strengths and weaknesses. After a breakout season in 2022, Daniels will look to continue improving and push LSU back into national contention. With a refined passing game and dynamic running ability, Daniels has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football over the next couple of years.