Alabama will have to make its 2025 college football season debut against Florida State without one of its best players. Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that the Crimson Tide will begin the year with running back Jam Miller sidelined.

DeBoer released a statement on Sunday confirming that Miller suffered an “upper-body injury” in a scrimmage on Saturday. The coach did not mention any specifics, but did note that Miller will certainly miss the Florida State game and potentially more.

“Jam Miller suffered an upper-body injury in Saturday's scrimmage and went in for a procedure on Saturday evening,” DeBoer said, via 247 Sports. “Jam should recover fully with a timetable for his return yet to be determined.”

Miller emerged as Alabama's top running back in 2024, notching 698 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Only Jalen Milroe did better than him on the ground, leading the team with 966 rushing yards.

Alabama's running back room with Jam Miller injury

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Losing Miller is a big blow to DeBoer's offense, but the Tide luckily boast one of the deepest backfields in the country. Although Justice Haynes, Alabama's third-leading rusher in 2024, entered the college football transfer portal at the end of the year, their deep running back group includes numerous talented rushers.

Backups Daniel Hill, Richard Young, Dre Washington, Kevin Riley and AK Dear would “all be starters on most other teams,” according to college football analyst Phil Steele. Young, Hill and Washington are the favorites to start in Miller's stead, having received the “bulk of backup reps in camp,” per 247 Sports' Alex Scarborough.

With Miller's injury providing an unclear timeline, any one of Alabama's unheralded stars could emerge in the backfield. DeBoer hired Ryan Grubb as his offensive coordinator in the offseason, with whom he worked at Washington, suggesting a potentially more pass-heavy play style in 2025. However, they open the year against a Florida State team that allowed 184.7 rushing yards per game in 2024, by far the worst in the ACC.

More NCAA Football News
Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables is pictured during football practice for the University of Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Okla., Wednesday, Aug., 6, 2025.
Top 3 Oklahoma football position battles to watch before Week 1Lorenzo J Reyna ·
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads warm ups prior to the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025.
Top 3 Texas football position battles to watch before Week 1Lorenzo J Reyna ·
Michigan Wolverines helmet on the sideline during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium.
5-star WR high on ‘elite’ Michigan football programScotty White ·
Connor Stalions Michigan spirit squad celebrates a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. michigan football stock u-m logo, Michigan flag, Michigan banner
2027 4-star breaks down recruitment amid Michigan football interestScotty White ·
Head coach Kalen Deboer gives directions during the second practice session of the preseason for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Top 3 Alabama football position battles to watch before Week 1Lorenzo J Reyna ·
Indiana's Dexter Williams II (5) throws during the second half of the Indiana versus Penn State football game at Memorial Stadium on Satruday, Nov. 5, 2022. Iu Psu Fb Williams 2
Kennesaw State football makes final QB decision as season draws nearZachary Weinberger ·