former Alabama quarterback **Jalen Milroe** has committed to an ACC program, reuniting with a coach who played a pivotal role in his early development…

former Alabama quarterback **Jalen Milroe** has committed to an ACC program, reuniting with a coach who played a pivotal role in his early development…

 

 

In a notable transfer portal move, former Alabama quarterback **Jalen Milroe** has committed to an ACC program, reuniting with a coach who played a pivotal role in his early development. Milroe, who spent several years in the Crimson Tide quarterback room under Nick Saban, has decided to transfer to **Syracuse University**, where he will join forces with **Dino Babers**, the head coach who was previously an assistant coach at Alabama and played a significant role in recruiting Milroe to Tuscaloosa.

### A New Chapter for Milroe

Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback from Texas, was a highly touted recruit when he committed to Alabama in 2021. After backing up Bryce Young and seeing limited playing time over the past two seasons, Milroe entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season in search of a fresh opportunity. While Milroe showed flashes of brilliance during his limited appearances, including his strong rushing ability and arm talent, the presence of highly regarded quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart at Alabama led to his decision to find a program where he could step in and compete for a starting role.

Milroe’s decision to transfer to Syracuse comes as a strategic move to find more playing time and an opportunity to be the centerpiece of an offense. Known for his impressive athleticism, strong arm, and the ability to extend plays with his legs, Milroe has the potential to become one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks, especially with Babers’ proven ability to develop quarterbacks who can thrive in up-tempo systems.

### The Babers-Milroe Connection

The move to Syracuse also reunites Milroe with **Dino Babers**, who served as an assistant coach at Alabama earlier in his career. Babers, known for his work with quarterbacks and offensive schemes, was an important figure in Alabama’s recruitment of Milroe. During his time at Alabama, Babers worked closely with the quarterbacks, providing guidance in both their development and mental preparation. This prior relationship made Syracuse a natural destination for Milroe, as Babers is someone he trusts and who understands his strengths as a quarterback.

Babers’ offensive system at Syracuse is predicated on an up-tempo, spread offense, which will allow Milroe to fully utilize his dual-threat capabilities. The quarterback’s mobility will be a huge asset in Babers’ system, which focuses on quick decision-making and creating big plays down the field. Babers’ ability to design plays that fit a quarterback’s skill set could help Milroe take his game to the next level, especially as he transitions from the highly competitive SEC environment to the ACC.

### Syracuse’s Quarterback Situation

For Syracuse, the addition of Milroe is a major boost to their program as they look to build on their recent success in the ACC. The Orange have experienced some ups and downs in recent seasons, but the quarterback position has been one area of inconsistency. With Milroe now on board, the team has added a dynamic playmaker under center who brings experience at a high level of competition.

Milroe’s arrival at Syracuse means that the program will have a much-needed upgrade at the quarterback position, where they’ve struggled to find a consistent leader in recent years. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground adds an element of unpredictability to the Orange offense, which could make them much more dangerous in ACC play. Syracuse’s coaching staff is likely excited about the potential that Milroe brings to the program, especially after watching him succeed in limited action at Alabama.

### The Transfer Portal Impact

Milroe’s move to Syracuse highlights the ever-growing role of the **transfer portal** in college football, as players continue to search for the best opportunities for playing time, development, and personal fit. In this case, Milroe is opting for a fresh start at a program where he can immediately challenge for the starting job and be a focal point of the offense.

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college football by allowing players to move freely between schools, creating opportunities for both established players and new programs to elevate their rosters. While high-profile programs like Alabama continue to attract elite talent, the transfer portal enables players who may not see significant playing time at top schools to find new homes where they can shine.

### Looking Ahead: Milroe’s Future at Syracuse

As Milroe steps into a new chapter of his college career at Syracuse, the expectations will be high for him to lead the team and make an immediate impact. The ACC is a conference with several competitive teams, and the addition of a quarterback like Milroe to Syracuse could make them a more formidable opponent in the upcoming seasons. With his dual-threat ability, strong arm, and the familiarity of Babers’ system, Milroe has the tools to become a standout in the ACC.

The success of Milroe at Syracuse will also be a testament to Babers’ coaching ability and his knack for developing quarterbacks. Milroe, in turn, will be able to prove that he is more than just a backup at Alabama and can excel as a starting quarterback in a Power Five conference. With the opportunity to lead and develop his game further, Milroe’s transfer to Syracuse could be the catalyst for a successful senior season and a future in professional football.

### Conclusion

The transfer of Jalen Milroe to Syracuse marks a significant move for both the quarterback and the ACC program. With his reuniting with former Alabama coach Dino Babers, Milroe is poised to take the next step in his career, making Syracuse a team to watch in the 2024 season. As college football continues to evolve with the transfer portal, moves like Milroe’s remind us of the ever-changing nature of the sport and the opportunities players have to shape their own destinies.