Breaking down the case for Jalen Milroe as Heisman contender

The Alabama Crimson Tide are returning starting quarterback Jalen Milroe for the 2024 season where many consider that he could be a Heisman contender.

Ahead of the season, On3’s Jesse Simonton made an appearance on Andy Staples On3. There, he broke down the case for Milroe as a Heisman contender, starting with the fact that he’s a dual-threat contender that could help him put up massive numbers.

“You’re talking about a guy who could top 45 total touchdowns,” Jesse Simonton said. “Because Kalen DeBoer has proven at previous stops that if he has a guy at the quarterback position that has some wheels, he’ll run ’em. And he’ll run ’em a lot. I think with those other tailbacks. With Justice Haynes and [Jamarion Miller], they’re gonna be a team that leans on that big offensive line, which had two of the biggest transfer additions and getting to boomerang [Kadyn] Proctor and then the center from Washington.”

The 2023 was an up-and-down one for Jalen Milroe. At one point, he was benched for the USF game. However, he and the Crimson Tide bounced back, winning the Iron Bowl in dramatic fashion, winning the SEC, and going to the College Football Playoff. He finished the season with 2,834 yards and 23 touchdown passing. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns.

If Jalen Milroe can take another step forward in 2024, Jesse Simonton explained that his numbers may become too impressive for other potential candidates to overcome.

“So, I think Milroe could easily have 45 touchdowns and you’re just not competing against that if you’re an Ollie Gordon, even if you have 2,000 yards and 20 scores,” Simonton said. “Looks really good. Looks really good, but that looks good in 1999. In 2024 when these quarterbacks are doing what Jayden Daniels and some of these other guys are doing, it’s just apples to oranges.”

A lot of how much success Jalen Milroe has in 2024 is going to come down to how he adjusts to a new coaching staff. Nick Saban retired and was replaced by Kalen DeBoer at head coach. Meanwhile, it’s also Alabama’s third offensive coordinator in as many seasons.

Kalen DeBoer on Jalen Milroe’s leadership qualities

Going into the summer, Kalen DeBoer praised Jalen Milroe, in particular for his leadership qualities.

“So Jalen, with what he did at the end of the season is what’s really impressive. And building on that, even though yes, new system, new verbiage, things like that, building on that experience, I think, and him now learning from it and knowing the areas where he just needs to continue to improve. He’s been amazing in that way,” DeBoer said.

“And I thought he had a great spring. Progressively getting better. He’s had a great summer to this point. His leadership, his character traits, all those things, you’re never going to question those just because it’s who he is. And he’s putting himself out there more and more with the team. He holds himself accountable to a high level, therefore he’s able to hold his teammates and he’s been that guy. I’m proud of him. He’s weathered the storms with the transition here and just done a great job.”