Star RB Jam Miller suffered a dislocated collarbone in Alabama's second and final spring scrimmage. The injury caused Miller to miss Alabama's first two games of the season against Florida State and UL Monroe.
The target date for Miller's return has always been the Georgia game in two weeks, but there was recent hope that the senior might be able to give it a go for today's matchup against Wisconsin. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Miller is not expected to play.
Sources: Both Alabama tailback Jam Miller and defensive linemen Tim Keenan III are not expected to play today against Wisconsin. Both are likely to dress and warm-up, but they are not expected to play. pic.twitter.com/ceFlLZx8zU
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 13, 2025
Miller had a strong game a year ago in this matchup in Madison, rushing nine times for 71 yards and breaking free for a 34-yard touchdown run.
Alabama has plenty of depth at RB, but there's no question that the offense misses his presence, not just as a runner, but as a receiver out of the backfield and a blocker.
Holding Jam Miller out is the right decision for Kalen DeBoer
Holding Miller out today will give him an extra two weeks to fully recover before Alabama faces off against Georgia in Athens for the SEC opener. That was always the target, and seeing as he became a game-time decision for this matchup, there seems to be no doubt at this point that he will be ready for the Bulldogs.
With Miller out, expect redshirt freshman Kevin Riley to get the start again. Riley came out of nowhere to take over the starting job with Miller out. The expectation entering the season was that there wouldn't be much of a role for Riley, and that Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Louisiana transfer Dre Washington would form a three-headed monster in the backfield.
But Riley flashed against the Seminoles and then earned the start last week against UL Monroe. Through two games, Riley is Alabama's leading rusher with 16 carries for 100 yards. He's also No. 2 on the team in receptions with seven.
Wisconsin will provide a stern challenge to Alabama's ability to run the football today. The Badgers have only allowed 67 total rushing yards through two games, and the Tide's inability to run the ball effectively against Florida State in the opener was a major reason for its offensive struggles in Tallahassee.
Alabama needs a healthy Miller moving forward. For now, Riley, Young, and the others can hold down the fort.