Jalen Milroe Describes Reaction to Being Left Out of College Football Playoff
For Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, the 2024 college football season was filled with moments of triumph, leadership, and growth. Yet, despite leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-1 record and an SEC Championship, Milroe and his teammates were left stunned when their name was excluded from the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection.
In a year marked by controversies surrounding the expanded 12-team playoff format, Milroe’s reaction highlights the emotional toll on athletes who dedicate their seasons to chasing a national title. Speaking candidly at a post-selection press conference, Milroe shared his thoughts on the snub, emphasizing the challenges of staying motivated and looking ahead.
Milroe described the moment Alabama was announced as the first team out of the playoff as surreal. “We poured everything into this season,” he said. “From fall camp to grinding through the SEC, we did what we thought was enough. To be left out… it felt like a gut punch.”
Alabama’s only loss of the season came in a hard-fought game against Texas, who earned a playoff berth as the No. 3 seed. Despite that setback, Milroe led the Crimson Tide to a dramatic late-season surge, including a win over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game—a victory many believed secured their spot in the top four.
“Winning the SEC used to mean something,” Milroe said. “To beat a team like Georgia, who was No. 1 for most of the year, and then be told that wasn’t enough… it’s hard to process.
As a first-year starter, Milroe emerged as a cornerstone of Alabama’s offense, displaying a blend of athleticism, arm strength, and resilience. Early in the season, he faced criticism after a shaky performance against Texas but rebounded with clutch performances against LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn, where his heroics in the Iron Bowl became an instant classic.
Through it all, Milroe leaned on his teammates and the Alabama coaching staff to stay focused. “Coach [Nick] Saban always tells us, ‘Control what you can control.’ That’s been my mindset all year,” he said. “Even now, when it feels like the system worked against us, I have to stay locked in for my team.”
Milroe’s words resonated with fans and fellow players who felt the CFP committee overlooked the strength of Alabama’s schedule and the prestige of an SEC title.
Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, Milroe sees this as an opportunity to fuel the team’s preparation for their New Year’s Six bowl game. “We have a chance to go out there and show the world what Alabama football is about,” he said. “If they didn’t believe in us before, we’re going to make them regret it.”
Milroe also expressed gratitude for the Alabama faithful, whose support has been unwavering. “Our fans are the best in college football. They’re just as hurt as we are, but I promise we’ll give them something to be proud of.
Milroe’s frustration also reflects a larger conversation in college football: how to balance merit and metrics in determining the playoff field. Critics argue that Alabama’s omission exposes flaws in the selection process, where factors like “game control” and “style points” often overshadow achievements like conference championships.
“Winning the toughest conference in the country should mean something,” Milroe reiterated. “I don’t know what else we could’ve done. We handled our business on the field.”
Despite the setback, Milroe’s leadership has Alabama fans optimistic about the future. The snub has galvanized the Crimson Tide, who are now more determined than ever to prove they belong in the playoff conversation.
For Milroe, this moment is just another chapter in his journey as a leader and competitor. “Adversity makes you stronger,” he said. “We’ll take this pain and turn it into motivation. This is not the end for us—it’s just the beginning.”
As Alabama prepares for their bowl game, one thing is certain: Jalen Milroe’s fire and determination will continue to set the tone for a program that thrives on proving doubters wrong. Whether or not this season ends with a championship, Milroe’s resilience and leadership have cemented his place as a key figure in Alabama’s storied history.