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Alabama Loses Possible Jalen Milroe Replacement to Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 5:25 PM ET

Alabama's starting quarterback for the past two seasons, Jalen Milroe, has a decision to make this offseason regarding returning to Alabama or declaring for the NFL draft.

If he does decide to depart, the Crimson Tide will have a quarterback competition on its hands. However, one name will not be a part of that competition: Dylan Lonergan, who chose to enter his name into the transfer portal on Wednesday.

Lonergan was the third string during the 2024 season as he sat behind Milroe and Ty Simpson, but it seemed like he was ahead of Austin Mack. Instead of trying his luck with Milroe's decision and potential quarterback battle, Lonergan is off to find the greener grass.

Just last season, a similar thing happened where Alabama lost a backup quarterback, and that same gunslinger went on to have massive success at his next step. That was Eli Holstein, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns during his first year at Pittsburgh, and Lonergan will try to replicate that triumph.

Lonergan is a former four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 159 player in the country and No. 13 quarterback in the 2023 class, according to The 247Sports Composite. He completed 5-of-6 six passes for 23 yards this past season while also adding 16 rushing yards.

Alabama has lost 11 players to the transfer portal this offseason, including a trio of wide receivers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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