Alabama starting RT Jayvin James went down in the fourth quarter of the Crimson Tide's 49-18 win over South Carolina last week. Kalen DeBoer called him questionable on Monday, and he carried that injury designation through Wednesday and Thursday's availability reports.
But on Friday night, James was officially ruled out.
It's a difficult blow for the Crimson Tide ahead of a game in which the offense will need to be at its best with Mississippi State's ability to score points. It's also a difficult blow for James, as this was a game he undoubtedly had circled on his calendar. He transferred to Alabama after playing for Mississippi State last season.
Alabama will now turn to JUCO transfer Tyrell Miller, who will make his first start for the Crimson Tide.
Jayvin James ruled out, JUCO transfer Tyrell Miller will start for Alabama at Mississippi State
Miller started the season listed as Alabama's backup left tackle behind sophomore Jackson Lloyd. But at some point, he and Texas transfer Nick Brooks swapped sides of the offensive line, and Miller has been the backup at RT.
He got into the game last week against South Carolina, playing 14 total snaps. Miller held up well in relief, flashing his athleticism and ability to execute in this system at a high level. If you have any concerns about his ability to step in for James, I would encourage you to watch Landon Tengwall's film breakdown of Miller's snaps against the Gamecocks:
Miller is a guy the coaching staff has been high on throughout the offseason. He has worked as Alabama's sixth offensive lineman through the first four weeks in heavier packages. He was one of the more underrated portal pickups for Kalen DeBoer and company this offseason.
Miller spent the first two years of his career at San Mateo Junior College in California. He was expected to serve in a reserve role this season and potentially compete for a starting job heading into 2027. But the injury to James will thrust him into the lineup sooner than expected. The good news is that Miller appears to be ahead of schedule from what the expectations were when he arrived in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama has already navigated one SEC road game without a starter up front. Alabama traveled to Kentucky in Week 2 and beat the Wildcats without starting RG Michael Carroll. In Week 5 against Mississippi State, they'll have to find a way to win without James.
Miller should be up for the task on the right side.
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