A Jalen Hurts, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe “can throw” and shine similarly to the Philadelphia Eagles star who overtook Mahomes.

When people mention dual-threat quarterbacks with Alabama ties, the first name that typically comes up is Jalen Hurts. The former Crimson Tide signal-caller has blossomed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance and earning MVP-caliber respect by outshining the likes of Patrick Mahomes in the regular season. But in Tuscaloosa, there’s another Jalen ready to etch his name in that same conversation: Jalen Milroe.

Often scrutinized early in his college career for whether he could “throw well enough,” Milroe is now flipping the script in the same way Hurts did. With a cannon arm, elite speed, and a steadily growing command of Alabama’s offense, Milroe has shown he’s not just a runner—he’s a quarterback in every sense of the word. And like Hurts, his story is one of development, resilience, and the quiet determination to prove doubters wrong.

Two Jalens, One Blueprint

The comparisons between Hurts and Milroe are almost too natural to ignore. Both hail from Texas. Both arrived at Alabama with questions surrounding their passing polish. And both have overcome adversity and outside noise to become leaders of one of college football’s most pressure-packed programs.

But the most important thing they share may not be physical or situational—it’s psychological. Both Hurts and Milroe possess a poise and inner fire that isn’t easily shaken.

“When you look at Jalen Milroe, you see a kid who’s been through it and came out stronger,” former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III said. “That’s exactly what Jalen Hurts went through at Bama. They both had people question if they could throw. But both kept working. Milroe has that same kind of ceiling.”

Milroe himself has acknowledged the comparisons, often speaking about Hurts as a mentor. The two remain in contact, and according to Milroe, the conversations aren’t just surface-level pleasantries.

“It’s authentic,” Milroe said about their relationship. “He wants to see me succeed. He’s been where I’ve been, and he understands what comes with wearing that Alabama jersey.”

That authenticity has translated into real growth for Milroe, who went from a turnover-prone backup in 2022 to the clear leader of Alabama’s offense in 2024.

From Question Mark to Exclamation Point

When the 2023 season began, many Alabama fans and analysts weren’t sure if Milroe would even finish the year as the starting quarterback. After a shaky outing against Texas, he was benched in favor of Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson in a Week 3 matchup against South Florida. But when the offense sputtered and lacked rhythm, head coach Nick Saban made the call to go back to Milroe.

That decision would alter the course of Alabama’s season—and Milroe’s career.

The redshirt sophomore responded with a fire rarely seen in college quarterbacks. He led Alabama to an SEC title, dethroning two-time defending national champion Georgia, and engineered one of the biggest wins of the year with a last-second touchdown pass against Auburn in the Iron Bowl—a play now simply known as “4th and 31.”

By season’s end, Milroe had thrown for 2,844 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But it was his rushing totals that turned heads: 726 yards and 20 touchdowns, surpassing Jalen Hurts’ single-season rushing touchdown record at Alabama.

“I’ve always said that running is part of who I am,” Milroe told reporters. “But I never wanted to be labeled just as a runner. I can throw the football. I take pride in that part of my game.”

The Evolution of a Passer

Early on, one of the main critiques of Milroe’s game was his timing and decision-making in the pocket. He’d often default to his legs instead of going through progressions, and his deep-ball accuracy was erratic. But with each game in 2024, that part of his game began to evolve.

Against LSU, Milroe passed for 219 yards and rushed for 155 more, scoring four touchdowns—all on the ground. While his legs earned the highlights, it was his poise in the pocket and his manipulation of defensive spacing that allowed him to control the game.

In the SEC Championship Game versus Georgia, Milroe wasn’t flashy—but he was efficient. He completed 65% of his passes, avoided turnovers, and repeatedly found his second and third reads down the field. Alabama won, and Milroe proved he could handle elite defenses with his arm.

Former Alabama OC Tommy Rees, now in the NFL, said Milroe’s growth as a passer was no accident.

“Jalen’s football IQ has skyrocketed,” Rees said. “He’s spending more time in the film room. He’s working on footwork, anticipation—he’s not just out there playing streetball anymore. He’s running the offense.”

Following Hurts’ NFL Path?

The road from Alabama to the NFL wasn’t straightforward for Jalen Hurts. He was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, transferred to Oklahoma, and still entered the 2020 draft as a question mark. But four years later, he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, a franchise cornerstone in Philadelphia, and a runner-up to Mahomes in the Super Bowl.

Milroe might be facing the same doubt—especially from NFL scouts who question his pocket mechanics and consistency. But he’s already shown the same resolve Hurts did. And with a few more strides in accuracy and anticipation, he could very well follow in Hurts’ footsteps.

“He’s got all the tools,” one anonymous NFC scout told The Athletic. “He’s built like a linebacker, he can sling it 60 yards off one foot, and he’s got a feel for the moment. He just needs polish. That’s what makes him exciting.”

Milroe is listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, with a vertical leap and top-end speed that rival some NFL receivers. His natural athleticism gives him a high floor as a prospect. But it’s his arm—yes, his arm—that will ultimately decide his future.

The ‘Can Throw’ Narrative

Much like Hurts, Milroe has had to live under the label of “runner who’s learning to throw.” But the numbers and film now tell a more balanced story.

Milroe finished 2024 ranked second in the SEC in yards per completion (15.9), third in passing efficiency (161.4), and led the conference in explosive plays of 20+ yards. His deep ball, once erratic, became one of the most dangerous weapons in the conference.

“It’s funny how the narrative works,” said ESPN’s Greg McElroy, a former Alabama QB himself. “People will say Milroe can’t throw, and then he hits a 50-yard strike on a rope between safeties. He’s got an NFL arm. The consistency is coming.”

Milroe agrees, but he doesn’t get caught up in proving critics wrong.

“I’m just focused on getting better,” he said. “I know what I can do. Coach Saban knows. My teammates know. That’s all that matters.”

The Leadership Factor

There’s another underrated piece to Milroe’s rise: his leadership. When he was benched, he didn’t sulk. He didn’t transfer. He rallied behind his teammates, waited for his moment, and took full advantage when it arrived.

“Jalen’s the guy everyone believes in,” said Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond. “He lifts the room. Whether he’s playing or not, he brings the energy. That’s what makes him special.”

Hurts displayed the same traits during his time at Alabama and Oklahoma—never complaining, always preparing, and always putting the team first. Milroe is cut from that same cloth, and NFL teams are starting to take notice.

“Quarterbacks need to be tone-setters,” said former Alabama OC Bill O’Brien. “Milroe does that. He leads by example and by voice.”

What’s Next?

With another season of eligibility, Jalen Milroe could return to Alabama for the 2025 campaign—or he could enter the NFL Draft, where he’s already being scouted as a Day 2 prospect with first-round upside. Whichever path he chooses, the expectations will be massive. But Milroe appears ready to handle them.

His growth as a passer, his rushing ability, and his intangible leadership all point toward an NFL future. And if Hurts’ story tells us anything, it’s that dual-threat quarterbacks from Alabama with a chip on their shoulder tend to thrive.

“I think the best is yet to come,” Milroe said this spring. “I’m just getting started.”

 Another Jalen, Another Star?

Jalen Hurts transformed himself from a “can’t throw” question mark to an MVP candidate in just a few years. Now Jalen Milroe is following that same blueprint—overcoming doubt, sharpening his skill set, and proving he’s more than just an athlete.

Yes, Milroe can run. Yes, he’s explosive. But make no mistake: Jalen Milroe can throw. And just like Hurts, he might soon be doing it on Sundays.

The torch has passed from one Jalen to the next. And in Tuscaloosa, the tradition of dynamic quarterback play continues—with a new star in the making.