Alabama QB Jalen Milroe delays NFL draft decision

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe plans to push back a decision on entering the draft or returning to the Crimson Tide until after the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31.

Milroe told 247 Sports his focus is on beating the Wolverines, who ended Alabama's 2023 season in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinals.

"My thought process right now is finish this game out," said Milroe, who turned 22 and graduated with a Masters degree last week.

Milroe, who backed up 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young for his first two seasons, is projected as a first-round draft pick if he opts to enter instead of returning to Alabama for his redshirt senior season in 2025.

In 2024, Milroe played for his third different offensive coordinator since landing at Alabama. He racked up 3,371 total yards, 20 rushing touchdowns with 15 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.

Should first-year coach Kalen DeBoer lose Milroe to the draft, Alabama has Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell on the QB depth chart.

Milroe edged Simpson for the starting job in 2023 and Mack transferred from Washington to follow DeBoer.

A five-star recruit ranked No. 2 overall in the nation, Russell was named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year last week.

--Field Level Media