How Alabama football, Kalen DeBoer plan to replace Jalen Milroe, the runner, in 2025

As Alabama enters the 2025 college football season, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the program is how they will replace Jalen Milroe, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who played a pivotal role in their offensive scheme over the past few seasons. Milroe, known for his electrifying ability as a runner, provided Alabama with a unique weapon under center, allowing the Crimson Tide to consistently break off explosive plays in the run game. With his departure, the Alabama coaching staff, led by head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, must find ways to replace Milroe’s running ability while maintaining the offensive identity that has helped the program remain a perennial championship contender.

In addition, Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the University of Washington Huskies, a coach with a wealth of experience in developing offenses, has offered his insights on how Alabama might go about this transition. Having observed Alabama’s offensive evolution over the years, DeBoer’s thoughts provide a unique perspective on how the Crimson Tide can continue to operate efficiently without the dual-threat quarterback they’ve relied on.

This article will examine how Alabama plans to replace Milroe’s running ability in 2025, focusing on the strategic adjustments made by Saban and Rees, as well as DeBoer’s observations about how the program will adjust to the departure of Milroe. With Alabama’s high standards and relentless pursuit of excellence, replacing a talent like Milroe presents a challenge, but one that the program is certainly prepared for.

The Jalen Milroe Legacy: A Dual-Threat Phenomenon

Jalen Milroe’s tenure at Alabama was marked by his dual-threat ability, which made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. A quarterback who could both throw and run with tremendous effectiveness, Milroe consistently made plays with his legs to either escape pressure or take advantage of broken plays, rushing for over 800 yards in his career and consistently averaging more than five yards per carry. This added dimension to Alabama’s offense, allowing the team to stretch defenses vertically while also keeping them honest with the threat of Milroe’s speed on designed runs.

Milroe’s ability to turn seemingly broken plays into big gains was one of the defining features of Alabama’s offense during his time as the starting quarterback. Whether on zone reads, read-options, or scrambles, Milroe could capitalize on his explosive speed and physicality to break free and make a big play. This added layer to Alabama’s offense made them unpredictable and difficult to defend, creating a balance between the passing and running game that kept defenses guessing.

While Milroe may not have been the most polished passer at times, his ability to make plays with his legs often made up for any inconsistencies in his arm. His running ability opened up a host of opportunities for the rest of the offense, from the running backs to the wide receivers, allowing them to operate with more freedom and fewer defenders in the box.

With Milroe no longer in the fold for 2025, Alabama will need to find a way to maintain that balance and dynamic ability in their offense. The question now becomes how they can replace Milroe’s unique skill set while keeping their offensive identity intact.

The Plan for Replacing Milroe’s Running Threat

To replace Milroe’s ability as a runner, Alabama will need to rely on a combination of adjustments to their offensive system, development of their new quarterback(s), and a concerted effort to use their offensive weapons in creative ways. While the team will likely turn to a new starting quarterback, the running game must remain a central focus for the Crimson Tide, as it has been for much of Saban’s tenure.

Developing a New Dual-Threat Quarterback

The most obvious solution to replacing Milroe’s running ability is to develop a new quarterback with similar traits. Alabama has a deep roster of talented quarterbacks, and Saban and Rees are sure to evaluate the skill set of each in spring and summer practices. While the Tide may not find another player who is exactly like Milroe, it is possible that a new quarterback with dual-threat potential can provide a similar spark for the offense.

One potential candidate for this role is Ty Simpson, a highly touted freshman who has been known for his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs. Simpson has the athleticism to extend plays and create with his feet, which will be essential in filling the void left by Milroe. If Simpson can refine his passing ability and show consistent improvement, he could become the next dual-threat quarterback for Alabama.

Another option could be Jalen’s backup, a more experienced signal-caller with some ability to run but who may also focus on becoming a more traditional pocket passer. Regardless of the quarterback chosen, it will be critical for Saban and Rees to implement a game plan that still features the quarterback as a running threat, even if the new starter is not as prolific as Milroe.

Incorporating More Designed Runs for the Quarterback

Even if Alabama’s next starting quarterback doesn’t possess the same type of raw speed and physicality as Milroe, the Tide will likely continue to use designed quarterback runs in their offensive game plan. Milroe’s read-option, zone-read, and scramble plays were an important feature of Alabama’s offensive identity. These designed runs helped the Tide’s offense stay balanced, forcing opposing defenses to account for both the running back and the quarterback on every play.

DeBoer, who has worked with various offensive systems throughout his coaching career, spoke to the importance of adapting the offensive scheme when losing a player like Milroe. “You can’t replace a player like Jalen Milroe overnight,” DeBoer said. “What you can do, though, is adjust your offensive philosophy to make sure that your new quarterback can still be a weapon on the ground. Whether it’s through more designed quarterback runs or giving the running backs more opportunities in space, you have to find a way to maintain that dynamic ability.”

This could mean more use of the read-option, where the quarterback has the option to either hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. The quarterback could also be used in short-yardage or goal-line situations, where his running ability would be an asset to pick up crucial yards or score touchdowns.

Relying on Alabama’s Talented Running Backs

With the departure of Milroe, Alabama’s running backs will be asked to carry even more of the load in the ground game. The Tide have always prided themselves on producing elite running backs, and the 2025 season will be no different. The running back position will likely become even more critical in the absence of Milroe, and both the offensive line and the backs will need to step up in a big way.

In particular, running backs like Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and others could see an increased role in the offense. Their ability to create explosive plays on the ground will help take pressure off the new quarterback and provide balance to the offense. DeBoer commented on the importance of creating an identity in the run game, saying, “Even without Milroe’s ability to run, Alabama can still be a dominant running team. They have the personnel to do it, and they can rely on their backs to continue the legacy of hard-nosed football.”

Alabama may also lean on more creative running schemes, such as using misdirection and motion to create running lanes for their backs. By keeping the defense on its toes, Alabama can make sure their running backs are not the only ones benefiting from the ground game. Utilizing more motion and shifts can help create confusion and open up running lanes in ways that don’t rely solely on the quarterback to be the primary ball carrier.

The Continued Evolution of Alabama’s Passing Attack

Replacing Milroe’s running ability does not necessarily mean Alabama has to abandon the dynamic aspects of their offense. Under Tommy Rees, Alabama’s passing game has been evolving into a more balanced and explosive unit, and DeBoer noted that the development of the passing attack could help make up for the loss of a mobile quarterback.

“The evolution of Alabama’s passing game under Rees is exciting,” DeBoer said. “With a strong receiving corps and talented quarterbacks, they’ll be able to spread the field and take advantage of mismatches. A more efficient passing game can take the pressure off the running game and create new opportunities for explosive plays.”

If Alabama can continue to develop its passing game, they can compensate for the loss of Milroe’s legs by making the passing game more versatile. By using play-action, quick screens, and deeper shots down the field, the Tide can keep opposing defenses from overcommitting to the run.

The Evolution of the Quarterback Position

In the end, Alabama’s success in 2025 will depend on how quickly they adapt to the loss of Milroe and adjust their offensive system accordingly. DeBoer’s thoughts suggest that, rather than simply looking for another Milroe, Alabama will need to evolve the offense to accommodate the skills of whichever quarterback emerges as the starter. Whether it’s through utilizing a more traditional pocket passer with some running ability or focusing on a balanced attack that highlights Alabama’s deep running back group, the Tide’s success will be rooted in their ability to adapt.

Nick Saban’s program has long prided itself on making adjustments in the face of challenges, and this period of transition will likely be no different. With the right coaching, strategy, and player development, Alabama is more than capable of replacing Milroe’s running ability while continuing to compete at the highest level in college football. The 2025 season is set to be a new chapter for Alabama, but their championship pedigree and relentless drive for excellence ensure that they will be contenders once again.