Alabama football is well aware of the quarterbacks competing for the starting job, and the Crimson Tide is taking a focused, deliberate approach to managing the ongoing battle under center.
Alabama football, a program synonymous with dominance, tradition, and excellence, finds itself at a pivotal crossroads heading into the 2025 season. While many storylines surround the Crimson Tide this offseason—from coaching changes to NIL developments and young stars making headlines—perhaps none looms larger than the quarterback competition. It’s not just about who takes the first snap; it’s about who takes command of the team, who earns the trust of the locker room, and who can carry the expectations that come with wearing the script “A” on their chest and leading one of college football’s most demanding fanbases.
The Tide have known for months which signal-callers are truly in the hunt for the starting role. This isn’t a guessing game for the coaching staff, nor is it an open audition with an endless list of names. From winter workouts to spring practices, from player-led training sessions to private film room breakdowns, the coaching staff—led by head coach Kalen DeBoer—has been watching closely. They’ve been studying not just the arm talent and decision-making, but the intangible traits: leadership, poise, adaptability, and how each quarterback responds to pressure. Because in Tuscaloosa, it’s not just about talent—it’s about mental toughness and the ability to win in the SEC and beyond.
What makes this quarterback battle so compelling is that it doesn’t feel like a desperate search. It feels more like a carefully curated competition, orchestrated by a staff that knows what it wants. That’s what makes Alabama unique. There’s clarity behind the curtain, even if the public only sees the surface. The candidates have been identified. The expectations have been communicated. And the standard? It hasn’t changed one bit.
Jalen Milroe, who started much of the 2024 season, remains a central figure in the conversation. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most explosive playmakers in the SEC, and he demonstrated significant growth in the second half of last year. However, questions remain about his consistency in the short passing game and his ability to lead a methodical offense when big plays aren’t available. Milroe is older, more experienced, and has the locker room’s respect—but that alone doesn’t guarantee him the job. DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan are looking for the complete package.
Behind Milroe is a group of hungry, high-upside quarterbacks each bringing something unique to the table. Ty Simpson, the former five-star prospect from Tennessee, has patiently waited his turn. He’s a pocket passer with a high football IQ, and those close to the program say he’s had one of the strongest offseasons of any player on the roster. Simpson is known for his command in the huddle and his ability to dissect defenses in real time. He may not be as flashy as Milroe, but he offers a steadier presence—something that may appeal to a coaching staff that values rhythm and consistency in a system that’s expected to blend pro-style structure with vertical concepts.
Then there’s Dylan Lonergan, the redshirt freshman whose buzz has steadily grown. Highly regarded coming out of high school, Lonergan has impressed during practice sessions with his arm strength, touch, and confidence beyond his years. Some within the program believe his ceiling may be the highest of all the quarterbacks on the roster. His biggest hurdle is experience, but he’s been praised for how quickly he processes information and his willingness to be coached hard. Lonergan could be the long-term answer, but depending on how things shake out, the staff may not want to wait that long to give him the reins.
Adding further intrigue is true freshman Julian Sayin, one of the crown jewels of Alabama’s latest recruiting class. Sayin enrolled early and has already turned heads with his natural throwing ability and advanced understanding of the game. Though he’s young, the staff hasn’t completely ruled him out as a contender—not because he’s expected to win the job outright, but because he’s simply too talented to ignore. The Tide have a history of freshmen making noise early, and if Sayin continues to progress at his current pace, he could either push for immediate snaps or set himself up for a strong future.
So how is Alabama handling this deep, competitive, high-stakes battle? With patience, precision, and purpose. Kalen DeBoer has repeatedly emphasized that the process will not be rushed. He and his staff want to get this decision right—not just for Week 1, but for the entire season. This isn’t about short-term wins; it’s about building a championship-caliber offense that can evolve and thrive against the nation’s best defenses. The decision may not be finalized until deep into fall camp, and even then, there may be scenarios where more than one quarterback sees the field, especially early in the season.
One of the hallmarks of DeBoer’s coaching style is his adaptability. During his time at Washington, he crafted schemes around his quarterback’s strengths. That same approach is being taken in Tuscaloosa. The offense isn’t being built in a vacuum—it’s being molded around whichever quarterback emerges from the pack. That’s why the evaluation process includes input from every angle: quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator, strength staff, even key leaders on the team who understand how chemistry works on the field and in the locker room.
Leadership will play an enormous role in the final decision. DeBoer and his staff want a quarterback who not only knows the playbook but can lead by example, maintain composure in hostile environments, and galvanize a team that’s coming off a turbulent 2024 season. Players listen to who commands the most confidence in the huddle, who speaks with conviction in the locker room, and who takes accountability when things go wrong. These are the moments where leaders are made, and Alabama is watching closely.
There’s also the fan pressure—something that’s always present in Tuscaloosa. Every move at quarterback will be dissected, from spring game stats to training camp reps, and fans are desperate to know who “the guy” will be. But DeBoer isn’t coaching to win the offseason. He’s coaching to win the SEC, make the College Football Playoff, and return Alabama to the national championship picture. That requires ignoring the noise and focusing solely on what works inside the building.
As the weeks roll on, the competition will intensify. Scrimmages will carry more weight. Film study will become more detailed. Mistakes will be magnified, but so will moments of brilliance. The staff won’t just be looking at completions or yardage—they’ll be analyzing footwork, pre-snap reads, body language under duress, how quickly a quarterback can bounce back after a bad throw, how well he commands the respect of his teammates. All of it matters.
No matter who ultimately wins the starting job, the reality is that Alabama’s quarterback room is in good hands. It’s deep, talented, and competitive in the best way possible. That depth also gives Alabama flexibility. Injuries, slumps, or unforeseen challenges won’t derail the season because there are multiple quarterbacks capable of stepping in and leading the team. That’s a luxury few programs enjoy, and one the Crimson Tide have cultivated through smart recruiting, player development, and a commitment to competition.
In a broader sense, this quarterback battle represents more than just a personnel decision—it’s a reflection of where Alabama football is headed under Kalen DeBoer. The days of assuming a generational quarterback will simply emerge every fall may be gone, but what remains is a culture built on excellence, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. This quarterback battle is being approached with the same intensity and professionalism that defines every part of the program.
So while the fans speculate and analysts offer predictions, inside the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, the work continues. Reps are being taken. Film is being studied. Leaders are rising. And somewhere in the heart of that process, Alabama football is finding its next quarterback—not just a starter, but a face of the program ready to uphold the legacy and chart a new path toward victory.
