Spring has arrived in Tuscaloosa, and with it comes more than just the warm breeze and fresh-cut grass on the practice fields—it brings a seismic shift in Alabama football. The Kalen DeBoer era is officially underway, and alongside him is his trusted right-hand man, offensive mastermind Ryan Grubb. Together, they’re the dynamic duo poised to reignite the Crimson Tide’s offensive firepower.
But while Alabama fans eagerly await this new chapter, there’s one name that lingers like a shadow on the horizon—Jalen Milroe. And for him, that shadow might just be filled with regret.
The Perfect Storm: DeBoer + Grubb = A QB’s Dream… Unless You’re Milroe
Let’s not sugarcoat it—DeBoer and Grubb aren’t just any coaching tandem. They’re offensive architects who turned the Washington Huskies into an aerial juggernaut, transforming quarterbacks into NFL-ready superstars. Their blueprint? High-volume passing attacks, precision reads, and the kind of offensive rhythm that leaves defenses gasping for air.
Now they’ve brought that magic to Alabama. But there’s a twist—Milroe won’t be around to benefit from it.
When Milroe declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, it seemed like the next logical step in his career. But little did he know, Tuscaloosa was about to become a quarterback’s paradise. Instead of thriving under DeBoer and Grubb’s guidance, Milroe will be watching from afar as his former team—and perhaps his replacement—flourishes.
The “What If” That Could Haunt Milroe’s Career
To understand the weight of this missed opportunity, we need to dissect Milroe’s legacy at Alabama—a legacy that’s… complicated.
- No Heisman Trophy.
- No All-American honors.
- No national championship.
- Not even a College Football Playoff victory.
For a starting quarterback at Alabama, that résumé is underwhelming. Especially when you consider the names that came before him: Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Bryce Young—all of whom left Tuscaloosa with decorated careers and NFL stardom.
Milroe? He left with unanswered questions and unfulfilled potential.
According to J.D. PicKell on the On3 podcast:
“When you talk about Kalen DeBoer’s first year in Tuscaloosa, he was operating under very clunky circumstances with Jalen Milroe… he wasn’t the right fit for DeBoer’s offense.”
And the numbers back it up. Milroe averaged just 20 pass attempts per game, a far cry from the 40+ attempts that DeBoer and Grubb’s system thrives on. His skill set—a dynamic runner with a cannon for an arm—was exciting but lacked the refined accuracy and decision-making required for DeBoer’s high-octane scheme.
Had Milroe stayed? Imagine the possibilities. The same coaches who elevated Michael Penix Jr. from an inconsistent college QB to an NFL prospect could’ve done the same—or more—for Milroe.
The DeBoer-Grubb Effect: A Glimpse at What Milroe Missed
Let’s rewind to 2023. The DeBoer-Grubb duo led Washington to eight victories decided by one score—clutch performances driven by elite quarterback play. Under their guidance, Penix Jr. exploded from 14 touchdown passes to 30, showcasing the transformative power of their coaching.
Now, that magic is heading to Alabama. And Milroe? He’s stuck with the “what could have been.”
While DeBoer navigated a bumpy first season with Alabama—losing four games, three of which were decided by a single score—the pieces are now in place for a turnaround. Better coaching, a more fitting offensive system, and a quarterback ready to take the reins.
But that quarterback won’t be Milroe.
The Lucky One: How Milroe’s Successor Might Reap the Rewards
Enter Ty Simpson, the redshirt junior quietly waiting in the wings. Once considered an afterthought, Simpson now stands at the doorstep of opportunity, poised to become the biggest beneficiary of Milroe’s departure.
While analyst Steven Lassan ranked Simpson a modest 13th out of 16 SEC quarterbacks, there’s a sense that the best is yet to come. On That SEC Football Podcast, Lassan admitted:
“If I knew he was the starter, I’d probably move him up a spot or two. A lot of potential. Former five-star. The DeBoer-Grubb offense is going to produce yards and points.”
Unlike Milroe, Simpson’s strengths align perfectly with DeBoer’s system. He’s a precision passer, known for his accuracy and ball placement—the exact traits that DeBoer values. Clint Lamb from BamaOnline put it bluntly:
“He throws with accuracy. Yes, his ball placement has been spotty at times, but he’s way more consistent than Jalen Milroe.”
While Milroe gears up for the NFL, Simpson gets a front-row seat to the DeBoer-Grubb masterclass. The system Milroe didn’t fit might just turn Simpson into a household name.
The Final Whistle: Milroe’s Legacy Defined by ‘What If?’
In the world of college football, timing is everything. For Jalen Milroe, the timing couldn’t have been worse. He left Alabama just as the perfect system—the one that could’ve amplified his strengths and masked his weaknesses—arrived.
Now, as the Crimson Tide prepare to light up scoreboards under DeBoer and Grubb, Milroe might find himself wondering:
“Did I leave too soon?”
Because while he chases his NFL dreams, the next Alabama quarterback might be living the dream he left behind.
