NFL Draft prospects often tend to opt out of postseason matchups and bowl games. But this season has been quite different, especially in terms of programs like Alabama and Colorado, where the teams are playing at full strength.
On Tuesday, college football will have one of its most exciting matchups — the ReliaQuest Bowl between Alabama and Michigan. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Crimson Tide, reiterated that almost all draft-eligible players will suit up for the game, including Jalen Milroe.
Jalen Milroe and Co. Set To Face National Champs Michigan in ReliaQuest Bowl
On New Year’s Eve, SEC giant Alabama will square off against the Michigan Wolverines after both teams missed the College Football Playoff. Responding to the availability of players, DeBoer had no apprehension when he declared that Jalen Milroe and other NFL-eligible players would play in Alabama jerseys one last time.
“Yeah, there’s been no conversations or anything,” DeBoer said about potential discussions to opt out of the game. “I’d be pretty surprised. I think they’re here to win, to compete, to put the best product that we can put out there on the football field for four quarters and go out there.
“So I wouldn’t expect something like that. But that’s the way these guys are. Jalen Milroe and the other guys, they’re going to go out there just like they always have been and give everything they have. They’ve shown that in practice, so I wouldn’t expect anything different,” he added.
Kalen DeBoer expects Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s draft-eligible players to play full length of ReliaQuest Bowl.
“I think they’re here to win, to compete, to put the best product that we can put out there on the football field for four quarters.”
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— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 30, 2024
On the other hand, the Wolverines have nine players on the roster who have decided to opt out of the game to focus on the upcoming NFL Draft:
Jayden Denegal
Donovan Edwards
Kalel Mullings
Tavierre Dunlap
Cole Cabana
Tyler Morris
Colston Loveland
Myles Hinton
Andrew Gentry
Jalen Milroe Remains a Hot Prospect in First Round of 2025 NFL Draft
Alabama’s starting quarterback happens to be a dual-threat prospect in this year’s QB class. He was eligible for the NFL Draft last season; however, he decided to make a return for one more year.
In 12 games, he threw for 2,652 yards and scored 15 touchdowns while conceding 10 interceptions. In PFN’s latest 7-round Mock Draft, Milroe went to the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 70 (third round).
