Jalen Milroe represents Alabama on Maxwell Award watch list

The Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious awards given out at the end of every college football season. It goes to the best player in college football, as determined by the Maxwell Football Club, and typically goes to an offensive player (Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o is the only defensive player to win the award this century).

The Maxwell Award recently released its 2024 preseason watch list, which included Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

As many of the national player of the year awards do, the Maxwell tends to favor the quarterback position in particular. Milroe was one of the nation’s best last season, racking up 3,365 yards and 35 total touchdowns, and will look to build on that performance this fall. Even with obvious deficiencies and plenty of room to grow, Milroe finished 6th in last season’s Heisman Trophy voting. With a year of experience under his belt and the guidance of Coach Kalen DeBoer, his potential is near-limitless heading into 2024. 

It goes without saying that Jalen Milroe would need a huge season to win this award. If he can do so, he will join the ranks of Alabama legends such as Bryce Young (2021), Devonta Smith (2020), Tua Tagovailoa, (2018), Derrick Henry (2015), and AJ McCarron (2013). 

None of Alabama’s skill players were listed in addition to Milroe, which makes sense given their lack of proven production. Still, breakout seasons are pretty easy to project for guys like Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, Germie Bernard and more. This should be a high-powered unit with a lot of speed, and it should be assisted by one of the nation's top offensive lines.

Look for Alabama to field an explosive offense in 2024 with Milroe at the helm, DeBoer and the offensive staff orchestrating, and several weapons ready to be utilized.