Crimson Tide of Alabama Has a New Rival in Jam Miller’s 2026 NFL Draft Film Analysis

Rivalry Rekindled: A New Contender Emerges for Alabama’s 2026 NFL Draft Crown

When Alabama running back Jam Miller announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Crimson Tide faithful brimmed with confidence. After all, Alabama boasts one of the most storied linebacker-to-running‐back pipelines in college football history, with recent draft standouts like Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. carving out productive professional careers. But in his latest film breakdown, draft analyst Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network argues that Miller’s path to becoming the Tide’s next NFL star won’t be unchallenged. A fresh rival, Texas Longhorns sensation Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner, has burst onto the scene — and he may force NFL scouts to rethink the RB1 narrative in the 2026 Draft cycle.

Jam Miller’s Rise: From Hometown Hero to National Prospect

A native of Tyler, Texas, Jam Miller first turned heads when he chose Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide over several Power Five suitors in the 2022 recruiting cycle. As a true freshman, he was buried behind Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan, yet still managed 233 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 33 carries. The following season saw incremental growth: Miller tallied 201 yards and a score on 41 rushes, in addition to making splashes as a receiver with 73 receiving yards and a touchdown.

With Williams and McClellan departing after the 2023 season, Miller seized the spotlight in 2024, forming a formidable one-two punch alongside Justice Haynes. In week three, against South Florida, he exploded for 140 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, demonstrating a rare blend of contact balance, vision and second-level burst. That performance, detailed in his official biographical profile, underscored Miller’s capacity to lead a championship‐caliber backfield.

Film Breakdown: Strengths That Mirror Tide Tradition

Cummings’s June 19, 2025, film analysis lauds Miller’s refined ball security — he lost just one fumble in over 200 collegiate touches — and his ability to fall forward through arm tackles. His footwork in open space matches the polished cuts of predecessor Josh Jacobs, while his frame (5’11”, 210 lbs) lends itself to both inside power runs and outside zone schemes. Equally compelling is Miller’s willingness to block; he consistently picks up blitzes and sustains blocks at the second level, traits NFL teams covet in three-down backs.

However, Cummings also notes areas for improvement. Miller’s straight‐line speed ranks just average among elite draft prospects: his 40-yard dash clock sits in the mid-4.6s, per team‐reported numbers. He can struggle to generate top‐end burst when his initial hole closes quickly, and his catch radius is limited compared to more naturally gifted pass‐catchers. Against high‐caliber competition — think SEC front sevens — he occasionally hesitates in hitting designed cutback lanes.

Enter Quintrevion Wisner: The Longhorns’ Answer to Tide Dominance

Just as Miller was staking his claim, Longhorns sophomore Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner emerged as a surprise analytic darling. A former five–star recruit out of Texas high schools, Wisner racked up 1,100 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns in his first full collegiate campaign. His unique blend of sub-4.5 speed, explosive jumping ability and natural receiver instincts have drawn comparisons to former Texas great Vince Young as a dual‐threat back.

In Cummings’s adjacent film breakdown of Wisner, the analyst highlights how Wisner routinely turns minimal daylight into chunk gains through acceleration and timely spin moves. While his lowest contact yards per attempt (2.8) suggest occasional overreliance on athleticism, Wisner’s trajectory points toward a three-down NFL role. His receiving numbers — 45 catches for 495 yards — outpace Miller’s by a significant margin, suggesting superior versatility in modern spread schemes.

Comparative Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and NFL Projections

Both backs project as Day 2 picks under ideal development, yet the gap closes when factoring Wisner’s superior speed and receiving chops. NFL evaluators must weigh Miller’s proven reliability in an NFL system against Wisner’s tantalizing upside. While Alabama’s pedigree gives Miller an initial edge, a strong Senior Bowl or Combine could vault Wisner past him on draft boards.

The Tide’s New Test: Preparing for a Draft Class Flush with Talent

The SEC has long been college football’s blueprint for NFL readiness. With two high‐caliber prospects destined to enter the 2026 Draft, Alabama and Texas stand poised to produce marquee draft picks. But national evaluators have only just scratched the surface. Florida’s Chase Jenkins, Oregon’s Damian Sifuentes, and a handful of Pac-12 backs loom on the horizon as potential draft sleepers. The depth of the 2026 RB class means Miller and Wisner will face fierce competition to cement their standing as the premier back of their class.

From Tuscaloosa’s perspective, this rivalry could be advantageous. Pressure often breeds performance: if Miller refines his burst, hones his route‐running, and demonstrates elite testing numbers at Alabama’s pro day, he can silence doubters who question his top‐end athleticism. Conversely, if Wisner continues his meteoric rise, it may drive Miller to new heights — and vice versa. Alabama’s coaching staff, led by Saban and running backs coach Robert Gillespie, has the blueprint to elevate Miller’s draft stock even further.

Impact on NFL Draft Landscape and Franchise Strategies

NFL front offices have increasingly embraced analytics and versatility. The trend favors backs who can seamlessly slide into passing‐down roles and contribute on special teams. Both Miller and Wisner present compelling cases: Miller’s blocking chops and ball security align with traditional NFL requirements, while Wisner’s breakaway speed and receiving acumen cater to modern air‐raid concepts.

Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens — franchises that leverage running backs in creative passing schemes — will closely monitor Wisner. Miller, however, could entice traditional powerhouses like the Dallas Cowboys or Pittsburgh Steelers, which value between‐the‐tackles punishing style. The battle for the RB1 tag could ultimately hinge on which prospect best fits a team’s system rather than raw athletic traits alone.

What Scouts Are Saying Behind Closed Doors

Insiders report that Miller’s practice tape has consistently impressed veteran evaluators for its “winning plays” — moments when he overcomes blockers or defensive pursuit to salvage yards. A personnel director for a perennial playoff contender noted that “Miller reminds me of Devin Singletary meets Tony Pollard — tough strikes combined with wiggle.” Meanwhile, scouts bullish on Wisner mention his “game‐changing speed” and “instant uptick in play after contact,” though they caution about his need to develop better blocking techniques in congested pockets.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Forged in Pursuit of NFL Stardom

Alabama’s Jam Miller, carrying the mantle of Crimson Tide greats, finds himself at the center of a budding rivalry that extends beyond college bragging rights. Quintrevion Wisner’s surge at Texas has elevated this contest from SEC lore to national draft conversation. As both backs prepare for their final collegiate campaign, the stakes could not be higher: not just for personal glory, but for the perception of program dominance in NFL talent production.

In the end, this rivalry serves college football fans and NFL franchises alike. It sharpens the skills of two promising athletes, compels coaching staffs to innovate, and adds another thrilling subplot to an already captivating SEC narrative. When April 2026 arrives, the question won’t merely be “Who is this year’s RB1?” but rather, “Which program’s preparation and which player’s perseverance proved decisive on draft day?” One thing is certain: Miller’s quest won’t be a solitary journey. A formidable rival stands ready — and Crimson Tide supporters will be watching every down to see who ultimately claims the crown.