In Photos: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe spotted learning tips from Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia at Manning Passing Academy 

One of the most improved players in college football last season was Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who carried the Crimson Tide to the semifinals of the college football playoff. He will play under offense-oriented coach Kalen DeBoer next season and is one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy this year.

Most recently, the quarterback was pictured throwing passes at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana under the watchful gaze of six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick and three-time Super Bowl champion Matt Patricia.

Analyst makes case for Jalen Milroe as Heisman candidate

Last season was a strange one for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide starting the season with no clear QB1 until after Game 3, where Jalen Milroe finally took the reins.

His improved performance saw him finish the season with 2,834 passing yards resulting in 23 touchdowns while rushing for 531 yards resulting and 12 touchdowns.

On the "Andy Staples On3" podcast, analyst Jesse Simonton made the case for Milroe to be considered one of the top favorites for the Heisman Trophy next season:

“You’re talking about a guy who could top 45 total touchdowns,” Simonton said. “Because Kalen DeBoer has proven at previous stops that if he has a guy at the quarterback position that has some wheels, he’ll run ’em. And he’ll run ’em a lot, I think with those other tailbacks.

"With Justice Haynes and [Jamarion Miller], they’re gonna be a team that leans on that big offensive line, which had two of the biggest transfer additions and getting to boomerang Kadyn Proctor and then the center from Washington.”

During Spring Training, new coach Kalen DeBoer praised the popular quarterback for adapting to his new system and the third offensive coordinator in Milroe's Alabama career.

DeBoer previously molded Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into one of the best quarterbacks in college football, leading to him being picked No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Crimson Tide fans will hope that DeBoer's offense-oriented approach will impact Milroe in the same way. Simonton also highlighted Milroe's potential output compared to other quarterbacks and why his qualities make him the clear favorite for the coveted trophy:

“So, I think Milroe could easily have 45 touchdowns and you’re just not competing against that if you’re an Ollie Gordon, even if you have 2,000 yards and 20 scores,” Simonton added. “Looks really good. Looks really good, but that looks good in 1999. In 2024 when these quarterbacks are doing what Jayden Daniels and some of these other guys are doing, it’s just apples to oranges.”

The conditions seem right for Jalen Milroe to fulfill the promise that he showed last year and convert it into a Heisman win.