Jam Miller is entering his fourth season at Alabama as the projected starting running back. After patiently waiting his turn behind a string of elite backs, the veteran is now in line to lead the Crimson Tide’s rushing attack in 2025. But things could have turned out very differently.

In a recent interview, Miller revealed that he originally dreamed of playing for the Texas Longhorns.

“It’s going to sound messed up,” Miller said. “But I knew Alabama, but I didn’t really know Alabama, how great they was. I always grew up a Texas fan. My godparents, they went to Texas, graduated from Texas. Whole time, since I was little, mind was ‘If I get an offer from Texas, I’m going to Texas.'”

Miller was once committed to Texas. But as his high school career progressed, another opportunity emerged—one that was simply too big to ignore.

“I believe it was my junior year, I committed to Texas… did the whole process. OVs, all that,” he said. “Later, I ended up getting an offer from Bama. Everybody was like ‘Bama is a big thing.’ Bama has been great for so many years.”

The decision wasn’t easy. At the time, Texas was coming off a 5-7 season under Steve Sarkisian. Alabama, on the other hand, was contending for another national title under legendary head coach Nick Saban.

“Then I started thinking, ‘Do I want to go to a place where I can start immediately, get on the field and play? Or I can wait behind a few guys, great guys, build my craft, and be coached by the best coach in the world.’ That was a hard decision.”

Miller recalled the moment he decommitted from Texas, a move that stunned those closest to him.

“It was Thanksgiving night,” Miller said. “It was me and my Mom in the car, we were just talking. ‘You’ve got to make a decision now.’ And that night, I remember calling the Texas running back coach and telling him, ‘I’m decommitting from Texas.’ And that broke a lot of family members’ hearts… But I had to make the best decision for me.”

Four years later, Miller is seeing the payoff. In 40 games, he has rushed for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns. His breakout came in 2024 when he ran for 668 yards and seven scores, despite limited touches in a crowded backfield.

Now, with the lead role up for grabs, Miller is ready to shine.

Texas has had its share of talented running backs over the years, but fans can only wonder what it might have looked like had Miller suited up in burnt orange instead of crimson.