Alabama junior quarterback Jalen Milroe has not yet decided whether he will turn pro after this season, but his college career will continue for at least one more game.
Per Kennington Smith III of The Athletic, Milroe confirmed that he will play in Alabama's ReliaQuest Bowl game against Michigan on Dec. 31 and he will decide whether or not he will enter the 2025 NFL draft after that.
"The mission right now is to complete the season," Milroe said. "We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan, and that's the thought process right now. That's where my focus is: winning this game, preparing the right way and taking care of my body so we can be the best us. I will be playing."
Smith added that in addition to Milroe committing to Alabama's bowl game, it appears that there won't be any opt-outs for the Crimson Tide against the Wolverines. This year's group seems to be following the precedent set by the 2022 team when star players like Bryce Young and Will Anderson committed to playing in the Sugar Bowl despite missing the College Football Playoff.
"Everyone should be playing," junior cornerback Domani Jackson said.
Like Milroe, Jackson can also choose to opt out of the bowl game and enter the NFL draft. The other players who are mulling draft decisions are offensive lineman Tyler Booker, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, defensive back Malachi Moore and defensive lineman LT Overton.
By playing in the bowl game, the players are hoping to set an example for those who will come after them.
"I think this bowl game can set the tone for the next thing for our program," Campbell said. "Which is offseason workouts, spring ball, etc. Why? This game is another opportunity to showcase our talents, and we can all just come together and play ball."
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