Alabama’s 2025 Run Game: Life After Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s departure marks the end of an era for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide’s 2025 run game will look drastically different without his dynamic dual-threat ability. While Alabama always reloads, replacing Milroe’s unique rushing impact won’t be simple.
The Milroe Effect
Milroe wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a game-changing runner. His speed and power forced defenses to account for him on every snap, often opening lanes for running backs. His ability to escape pressure turned broken plays into huge gains, masking offensive line struggles at times. Without him, Alabama must reinvent its ground attack.
A More Traditional Run Game?
In 2025, Alabama’s rushing offense could shift back to a more conventional approach. With no Milroe to threaten defenses with his legs, the Tide may lean heavily on their running back committee. Names like Richard Young, Justice Haynes, and potentially an elite freshman will carry the load. Expect a return to a power-run scheme, with more emphasis on offensive line dominance rather than quarterback improvisation.
Quarterback Style Will Dictate Change
Nick Saban’s successor—or Saban himself if he stays—will shape the offense based on the new quarterback. If Alabama leans toward a pure pocket passer, such as Julian Sayin, expect a heavier reliance on RPOs and inside zone runs. If a more mobile quarterback wins the job, Alabama might still incorporate designed QB runs but nowhere near Milroe’s level.
More Pressure on the Offensive Line
Without Milroe’s escapability, Alabama’s offensive line will face increased scrutiny. In 2024, Milroe masked protection issues by evading sacks and extending plays. In 2025, the line must provide a cleaner pocket and create more consistent running lanes for the backs. Any weakness up front will be far more exposed.
The Controversial Question: Was Milroe the System?
Some critics argue that Milroe’s legs were a crutch for Alabama’s offense rather than a sustainable system. Without him, will the Tide’s run game be better balanced or suffer from predictability? If Alabama struggles early in 2025, expect debates about whether the 2024 offense relied too much on Milroe’s playmaking rather than developing a structured rushing attack.
The Verdict
Alabama’s run game will evolve post-Milroe. The days of a quarterback routinely breaking off 50-yard runs may be over, but that doesn’t mean the Tide’s rushing attack will decline. Instead, it will likely become more traditional, more structured, and—if the offensive line improves—possibly even more dominant. The biggest question: Will Alabama thrive without the Milroe factor, or will his absence expose deeper flaws?
