Alabama’s quarterback legacy continues to be a focal point in both the college and professional football landscapes. The emotional postgame moment between Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young serves as a reminder of the close-knit bond among Alabama alumni, even as they compete on the NFL stage.
Young’s Growth in a Challenging Year
Bryce Young’s sophomore season has been turbulent, marked by an early benching and subsequent return to the starting lineup. Despite the ups and downs, Young showcased resilience and improvement, evidenced by his performance against the Eagles. While his final stats—19 completions on 34 attempts for 191 yards, a touchdown, and an interception—might not jump off the page, they also don’t tell the whole story. Key drops by Panthers receivers, including a costly one by Xavier Legette, contributed significantly to Carolina’s narrow loss.
Hurts Shines in Philadelphia’s Victory
On the other side, Jalen Hurts continued to prove why he’s considered one of the NFL’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. His efficient 14-for-21 passing for 180 yards and two touchdowns, combined with 59 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, led the Eagles to a 22-16 victory. Hurts’ poise and leadership have been instrumental to Philadelphia’s success, showcasing the complete package Alabama quarterbacks can offer at the pro level.
The Next NFL Prospect: Jalen Milroe
With Alabama’s current quarterback, Jalen Milroe, being touted as the next potential NFL talent, the Crimson Tide’s reputation as a quarterback factory remains strong. Milroe has had a stellar season, amassing over 35 total touchdowns while demonstrating exceptional athleticism. His ability to combine speed, power, and versatility as a dual-threat quarterback has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic players.
With Alabama missing the College Football Playoff, speculation about Milroe’s future is rampant. If he declares for the NFL Draft, his performance at the NFL Combine could be electrifying. Scouts are expected to focus on his rushing ability—evident in his 20+ rushing touchdowns this season—and his athletic ceiling. While there’s room for development in his decision-making and passing consistency, Milroe is likely to be a first-round pick, continuing Alabama’s quarterback lineage in the NFL.
Alabama’s Quarterback Pipeline
From Jalen Hurts to Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young, Alabama has transformed into a hub for producing NFL-ready quarterbacks. The program’s ability to develop talent, combined with its competitive environment, ensures its players are battle-tested by the time they enter the draft. If Milroe succeeds at the next level, he’ll further solidify Alabama’s status as a premier destination for aspiring quarterbacks.
As the NFL continues to value dual-threat quarterbacks, Alabama’s emphasis on developing players like Milroe aligns with modern trends. Whether it’s the precision of Young, the dynamism of Hurts, or the athletic upside of Milroe, the Crimson Tide continues to shape the future of the quarterback position.
