Kalen DeBoer reacts to rumored wide receiver exodus if Jalen Milroe returned: 'I think that's a little far-fetched'

Jalen Milroe had a decision to make following the 2024 season. Another season of eligibility remained but after two seasons as the Alabama starting quarterback, leaving for the NFL was an option. Milroe opted to declare for the draft, a move that worked out after being picked in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks.

Ahead of the draft, there were rumors about Alabama wide receivers opting to leave the program if Milroe had decided to return. And for the first, time, Kalen DeBoer had an opportunity to address them, calling it “a little far-fetched.”

“I think I’ve heard that same quote, and I think the word ‘all’ was used, so whenever absolutes are used like that, I kind of question it right there,” DeBoer said via Sports Radio 93.3 KJR in Seattle. “The words ‘never’ and ‘always’ and ‘all’ – I think that’s a little far-fetched. I don’t think we would have lost all of our receivers for anything.”

Even with Milroe leaving the program, multiple wide receivers followed, just not to the NFL Draft. But the NCAA transfer portal. Alabama saw six players at the position who decided to continue their college careers elsewhere. Thankfully, none of them made a major impact last season.

DeBoer will be thankful to have guys like Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard returning for another campaign. Miami transfer Isaiah Horton is expected to play a major role for the Crimson Tide. Whether or not the rumors about Milroe are true, those three guys will be wearing Alabama jerseys in 2025.

All without knowing exactly who will be the starting quarterback. DeBoer is still overseeing a competition, with three guys in the running. Ty Simpson is the perceived favorite while Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are battling from behind. Nothing has been made official quite yet, expected just before the season opener against Florida State.

Folks in Tuscaloosa will be hoping the passing game does improve moving forward in the post-Milroe era. Whoever wins the starting QB job will have plenty of experienced weapons at their disposal waiting for them.

Milroe will be fighting for his own spot moving forward. Sam Darnold was recently paid by Seattle but the Seahawks saw enough in the Alabama product to take him in the first round. Some development is needed before getting a full-time role. A package or two could be installed to use Milroe’s legs at some point.