TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is uncertain about his future in 2025 but committed to one more game for the 2024 season. The junior confirmed that he will play in Alabama’s ReliaQuest Bowl game against Michigan on Dec. 31. He will make his NFL decision after that.
“The mission right now is to complete the season,” Milroe said. “We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan, and that’s the thought process right now. That’s where my focus is: winning this game, preparing the right way and taking care of my body so we can be the best us. I will be playing.”
Alabama returned to the practice field on Thursday, and the indication is that there will be zero opt-outs against Michigan, which resembles a repeat of the 2022 Sugar Bowl when players like Bryce Young and Will Anderson committed to the bowl game after missing the College Football Playoff.
“Everyone should be playing,” junior cornerback Domani Jackson said.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
Jackson is one of the players who had a draft or opt-out decision, including Milroe, Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, Tim Keenan III, Malachi Moore and LT Overton. And more big news is that sophomore center Parker Brailsford will play and confirmed that he will return to Alabama for the 2025 season.
Alabama’s program has won 10 games in every season since 2008, and a win against Michigan would extend that streak. It’s not the same Wolverines team from a year ago, but, notably, the Alabama returners, Kalen DeBoer and the Washington transfers fell to Michigan in last year’s Playoff.
The disappointment of missing this year’s CFP loomed for a moment following Sunday’s selection show, but Alabama’s full focus is now on finishing the season strong against Michigan. With its core leadership fully invested in playing, bowl practice is off to a strong start.
“I think this bowl game can set the tone for the next thing for our program,” Campbell said. “Which is offseason workouts, spring ball, etc. Why? This game is another opportunity to showcase our talents, and we can all just come together and play ball.”
(Photo: Jason Clark / Getty Images)
