The Alabama Crimson Tide is headed into the second season of the Kalen DeBoer era, though unlike the first season when he took the job just days after Nick Saban’s retirement in January 2024, there is a real question at the quarterback position.
Though Jalen Milroe did not wind up performing all that great in Alabama’s disappointing first season under DeBoer, the former Washington head coach took the job essentially with Milroe attached to it.
Even though he struggled, he remained the emotional leader of the team throughout the year and DeBoer never really had a choice when it come to continuing to play him.
Now entering the second season with Milroe headed to the NFL and DeBoer getting a fresh start in his quarterback room, a true battle is expected to play out between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell.
According to at least one insider however, one quarterback has a leg up.
Former Tide quarterback and current SEC analyst Greg McElroy revealed on his podcast that he has heard Simpson is ahead of his competition thus far in spring practice:
“He is in firm control of the number one job so far.”@GregMcElroy on Ty Simpson and the @AlabamaFTBL QB competition 👀#RollTide pic.twitter.com/T5cBgsvyBp
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) April 2, 2025
“Based on my understanding of what’s happening in Tuscaloosa, Ty [Simpson] has had a strong camp and he is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far,” McElroy said. “[Mack and Russell] are the ones competing for that No. 2 spot right now, and then once we get into summer, maybe that competition is extended and maybe one of those guys makes a leap.”
While signs seam to be pointing in one direction, McElroy does not expect any sort of announcement any time soon.
“I don’t think we have an answer anytime soon,” he said. “I don’t think it’s gonna make sense publicly for them to come out and endorse one guy as the starter at this time.”
Though Simpson may be ahead right now, he will still have to show improvement in order to fend off two talented young and hungry options behind him.
It will be a long summer until we have our answer, but for now the most expected outcome seems to be playing out.
