Will Milroe be back in 2025? And more queries for DeBoer and Alabama following a dismal 2024

The 2024 Alabama season ended abruptly, and Kalen DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa had a…well, mixed bag of results. Following an unpleasant bowl loss, Ben Flanagan and Matt Scalici analyze the positive, negative, and ugly aspects of Alabama’s 2024 season and talk about the Tide’s future as they attempt to find their identity in the post-Nick Saban world.

As the 2024 college football season wraps up, many fans and analysts are left wondering about the future of several key figures in the sport, particularly Jalen Milroe, the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has seen his program face a turbulent period. With the conclusion of a season that didn’t meet expectations for both Alabama and DeBoer’s team, questions abound regarding Milroe’s future in the Crimson Tide offense, as well as DeBoer’s next steps in managing the challenges that lie ahead for his squad. Will Milroe return to Alabama in 2025 to lead the team, or will changes be made at the quarterback position? And how will DeBoer and Alabama handle the aftermath of what has been a lackluster season, as the program looks to rebuild and restore its dominance?

The State of Alabama Football: A Season to Forget

The 2024 season for Alabama football was nothing short of disappointing, a year that will likely be remembered as one of frustration and missed opportunities. Historically one of the most successful and dominant programs in college football, Alabama found itself on the outside looking in during the postseason picture. The Crimson Tide’s struggles were felt across various aspects of the game, from inconsistent offensive play to a defense that, while still strong, couldn’t carry the team to the heights they are accustomed to.

Jalen Milroe, a player with immense potential, was expected to be a key part of Alabama’s efforts to return to the College Football Playoff. Yet, the quarterback position became a point of contention throughout the season. While Milroe displayed flashes of brilliance, he also had moments of inconsistency, with turnovers and missed opportunities that kept the team from hitting its stride. The question now lingers: will Milroe return in 2025 to finish what he started, or will Alabama seek a change at the position to get back to its championship-contending form?

The struggles of Alabama in 2024 weren’t solely limited to Milroe’s performance. The team as a whole faced challenges that were difficult to overcome. Alabama’s offensive line failed to provide the protection that Milroe needed to thrive in the pocket, while the running game, which has traditionally been a cornerstone of the Crimson Tide’s success, couldn’t establish dominance as it had in previous years. These offensive struggles were compounded by moments of defensive lapses that left the team vulnerable, ultimately leading to a disappointing season.

Jalen Milroe’s Future: Will He Return in 2025?

Jalen Milroe, with his dual-threat ability and potential for greatness, was once seen as the future of Alabama football. However, his performance in 2024 has raised significant questions about whether he will be the one to lead the team in the upcoming season. The quarterback position at Alabama has always been an area of great expectation, and Milroe was expected to carry on the legacy of past stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. However, as the season progressed, Milroe’s inconsistencies—whether it was turnovers, missed reads, or inaccurate passes—caused doubts to emerge regarding his ability to take the Crimson Tide back to the College Football Playoff.

As the team looks ahead to 2025, Milroe’s future at Alabama hinges on a number of factors. For one, the coaching staff will need to assess his development over the course of the offseason. Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance with his strong arm and dynamic running ability, but the consistency required at the college football level has eluded him at times. Alabama’s coaching staff, led by head coach Nick Saban, will likely evaluate whether Milroe can improve his decision-making and execution in a way that will make him the leader this team needs.

Additionally, Alabama’s recruiting efforts will play a significant role in Milroe’s future. If the Crimson Tide bring in a highly touted quarterback prospect, it could create competition for the starting role and potentially lead to Milroe being relegated to a backup position. However, if Alabama struggles to land a top-tier quarterback recruit or if the competition from within the program doesn’t push Milroe to perform at a higher level, he could still have a chance to reclaim his spot under center in 2025.

Ultimately, the decision regarding Milroe’s return will depend on his progress as a player, the team’s needs, and the direction that Alabama’s coaching staff chooses to take. It’s clear that Milroe has the raw talent to be a star, but whether he can overcome the challenges of 2024 and lead Alabama back to glory in 2025 remains to be seen.

Kalen DeBoer’s Struggles: A Tough Year for the Head Coach

Alongside Milroe’s uncertain future, another major storyline surrounding Alabama is the performance of Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator. While DeBoer has proven himself as a capable coach in previous seasons, 2024 has been a year to forget for the offense, with DeBoer’s game plans often falling short of expectations. The lack of offensive consistency, coupled with the team’s inability to execute on critical plays, has raised questions about whether DeBoer can turn things around for the 2025 season.

DeBoer, known for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to develop quarterbacks, has faced criticism for not being able to unlock Milroe’s full potential. His system, which has worked well for other programs in the past, has not yet clicked at Alabama, and fans and analysts are beginning to wonder if a change in the offensive leadership might be necessary for the program’s future success. Despite Alabama’s history of success and its ability to reload year after year, the team’s offensive struggles in 2024 were glaring and have left many questioning whether DeBoer is the right person to lead the offense moving forward.

Much like Milroe’s future, DeBoer’s standing with Alabama in 2025 will depend on his ability to adjust and learn from the mistakes of the 2024 season. The offensive coordinator will need to find ways to improve Alabama’s passing game, fix the running game, and create a more balanced offensive attack that can complement the team’s solid defense. Additionally, DeBoer will need to develop a better relationship with Milroe, or whichever quarterback the Crimson Tide ultimately choose to start in 2025, to ensure that the offense runs smoothly and executes at a high level.

Alabama’s Road to Recovery: The Path Forward for the Crimson Tide

The 2024 season has undoubtedly been a challenging one for Alabama, but all hope is not lost for the Crimson Tide. Despite the setbacks, Alabama remains one of the most prestigious programs in college football, with a rich history of success and a roster full of talent. The key to the team’s recovery in 2025 will be how they address their issues during the offseason and whether they can make the necessary adjustments on both sides of the ball.

For Milroe, the offseason will be crucial in determining his future with the team. If he stays, he will need to work on his consistency, making sure he can perform at a high level week in and week out. His ability to limit mistakes and execute under pressure will be critical to Alabama’s success moving forward. If Milroe is not the starting quarterback in 2025, Alabama will need to find a new leader at the position, either through recruiting or developing internal talent.

For DeBoer, the offseason will be an opportunity to recalibrate and refine his offensive system. DeBoer will need to find a way to bring the best out of Alabama’s offense, utilizing the team’s strengths and addressing its weaknesses. Whether it’s making adjustments to the offensive line or finding creative ways to get the ball into the hands of playmakers, DeBoer’s ability to adapt will be key to his future with the program.