Jalen Milroe and Jihaad Campbell Declare for NFL Draft: A New Chapter for Alabama Stars
In a move that has sent ripples through the college football world, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Jihaad Campbell have both declared for the NFL draft. The announcement came on Thursday, marking the end of an era for the Crimson Tide as these two pivotal players prepare to take their talents to the professional level.
Milroe, a redshirt junior who has been Alabama’s starting quarterback for the past two years, shared the news via an Instagram post. In his heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude to head coach Nick Saban, offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, and his teammates. “To the entire Alabama family, thank you for embracing a kid from Texas and allowing me the honor of wearing the script ‘A.’ Representing this university has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Milroe wrote.
Reflecting on Milroe’s journey, it’s clear that his time at Alabama has been nothing short of remarkable. Last year, he finished sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting, a testament to his skill and leadership on the field. His efforts were instrumental in Alabama’s SEC championship victory and their subsequent appearance in the College Football Playoff.
However, the 2024 season was a rollercoaster for Milroe. He passed for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns but also threw 11 interceptions. Despite these challenges, his dynamic running ability shone through as he led Alabama with 726 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, ranking second nationally among quarterbacks. His 33 career rushing touchdowns tie him for eighth in Alabama history.
Off the field, Milroe’s excellence continued as he was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the academic Heisman. This accolade highlights his dedication not only to football but also to his academic pursuits.
As Milroe prepares for the next chapter, he does so with high expectations. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the No. 3 quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL draft, a promising position for the young athlete.
On the defensive side, Jihaad Campbell has also made waves with his decision to enter the draft. Campbell led the Tide in total tackles (117), sacks (5), and tackles for loss (11.5) this season. He also contributed two forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.
In his own Instagram post, Campbell reflected on his time at Alabama, saying, “These last three years in Tuscaloosa have molded me into a better player and a better man. And this experience has been special and something that I will never forget. I feel like I am ready now to take the next step in my career.”
Campbell’s performance has not gone unnoticed. He was a first-team All-SEC selection and a Butkus Award semifinalist. On Kiper’s latest Big Board, Campbell ranks No. 20 overall and is the No. 2 draft-eligible off-ball linebacker, trailing only Georgia’s Jalon Walker.
In his final game for Alabama, Campbell led the team with 11 tackles in the ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan. The New Jersey native became a starter in 2023 and finished third on the team with 66 tackles, cementing his status as a key player for the Crimson Tide.
- Jalen Milroe: No. 3 quarterback prospect for 2025 NFL draft
- Jihaad Campbell: No. 20 on Mel Kiper’s Big Board
- Milroe: 2,844 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions in 2024
- Campbell: 117 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss in 2024
As these two stars prepare to embark on their professional journeys, Alabama fans will undoubtedly watch with pride and anticipation. Their contributions to the Crimson Tide have been significant, and their potential in the NFL is immense. The next few months will be crucial as they prepare for the draft and the challenges that lie ahead.
Originally Written by: Chris Low
