Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Speaks Candidly About Ongoing Quarterback Battle Following First Week of Fall Camp
The intensity of fall camp is heating up in Tuscaloosa as the Alabama Crimson Tide push through their early preparations for the 2025 college football season, and one storyline towers above the rest: the quarterback battle. In what has been one of the most closely followed position competitions in all of college football this offseason, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer broke his silence on the subject after the first full week of practices. His remarks, while measured and diplomatic, gave fans and analysts a glimpse into how the quarterback competition is shaping up under his leadership—and revealed what qualities he’s truly looking for in the player who will take the reins of the Crimson Tide offense.
Taking over for the legendary Nick Saban, DeBoer walked into the Alabama program with not only the weight of expectation but the task of navigating one of the most high-profile quarterback rooms in the nation. With several highly touted signal-callers vying for the starting role—including returning players, transfers, and incoming recruits—the decision carries both immediate and long-term implications for Alabama’s offensive identity. Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the first full week of fall camp, DeBoer emphasized the importance of patience, consistency, and leadership in the process, indicating that while talent is abundant, separation among candidates is still in progress.
According to DeBoer, no single quarterback has definitively pulled ahead just yet, but he noted that each candidate has shown flashes of what he’s looking for: command of the offense, the ability to elevate teammates, and composure under pressure. What stood out most during his comments was his insistence that the decision will not be made solely on physical ability. He underscored that intangible qualities—such as communication, decision-making, and how the team responds to a quarterback in practice settings—are just as crucial as arm strength and athleticism.
In many ways, DeBoer’s perspective on the quarterback battle reflects the broader culture he’s trying to instill at Alabama. A successful coach known for his innovative offensive mind and calm, methodical approach, DeBoer is not rushing into hasty choices or looking for splash plays. He is building a foundation that can sustain not just one season, but an entire new chapter of Alabama football. The quarterback he ultimately chooses will not only need to move the ball and score points but also embody the standard of accountability and maturity that DeBoer expects from the leader of his offense.
During his press conference, DeBoer detailed some of the areas where the quarterbacks are being evaluated most stringently. One key theme was how well each player understands the new offensive system being installed. With DeBoer bringing in his own playbook and terminology, mastery of the mental side of the position is paramount. Coaches are watching closely during film sessions, situational drills, and in-game simulations to see which quarterback consistently makes the right reads and protects the football.
Additionally, DeBoer touched on how the quarterbacks are being tested in high-pressure situations. From red zone drills to third-down conversions and two-minute scenarios, the coaching staff is deliberately creating environments that mirror the chaos of a real game. DeBoer believes that how a quarterback handles adversity—whether he rebounds from a mistake, commands the huddle, and responds to defensive pressure—is one of the best indicators of who is ready to lead the team on Saturdays.
Sources close to the program suggest that while all of the quarterbacks have had strong moments, the competition remains tight. Each contender brings something different to the table. One may have superior arm talent and vertical passing ability, while another shows more poise and leadership. DeBoer and his offensive staff are tasked with determining not just who is the “best” quarterback on paper, but who gives Alabama the greatest chance to win, based on how they fit into the larger offensive puzzle.
What’s clear from DeBoer’s tone is that he’s not feeling pressure to name a starter prematurely. He was adamant that the staff will continue to evaluate players over the coming weeks, with an emphasis on daily improvement and long-term consistency. That means fans and media likely won’t get a final answer until at least the second or third week of camp—if not later. While this may frustrate those eager for clarity, DeBoer’s deliberate pace is a sign of a coach fully committed to making the right decision, not the fastest one.
Beyond the technical aspects of the battle, DeBoer also spoke about how the quarterbacks are interacting with their teammates and asserting themselves as leaders. He noted that in a program like Alabama, leadership isn’t something you can fake. The locker room knows who the real leaders are, and the team will naturally gravitate toward the quarterback who demonstrates consistent effort, respect for teammates, and a deep commitment to team success over personal accolades. DeBoer is watching not just who commands the huddle, but who shows up early to meetings, stays late after practice, and pushes teammates to get better.
One area where DeBoer seemed particularly pleased was the level of competition overall. He praised the quarterbacks for how they’ve handled the battle so far—supporting each other, asking questions, and sharing knowledge while still competing fiercely for the top spot. In his words, the competition has brought out the best in everyone and is setting a tone of excellence across the offense. This speaks to a larger culture shift taking place within the program—one where competition is valued, but not at the expense of camaraderie and team unity.
As Alabama moves deeper into fall camp, the quarterback battle will remain the most closely watched development. The coaching staff will continue to install new offensive concepts and increase the complexity of practice situations to see how the contenders respond. Scrimmages, in particular, will be crucial. Game-like settings will give DeBoer and his staff the clearest picture yet of who can translate practice success to on-field production.
No matter who ultimately earns the job, one thing is certain: the chosen quarterback will enter the 2025 season with an immense spotlight and sky-high expectations. Alabama’s fanbase expects excellence, and DeBoer is fully aware that his first starting quarterback selection will define the early tone of his tenure. But if his comments are any indication, he’s embracing that responsibility with the same careful thought and strategic planning that have defined his coaching career thus far.
In the end, DeBoer’s approach to the quarterback battle speaks volumes about the direction Alabama football is heading in 2025 and beyond. This isn’t a coaching staff chasing headlines or making snap judgments. It’s a group building a foundation, evaluating every detail, and putting long-term success above short-term pressure. And while the identity of Alabama’s starting quarterback remains unknown for now, the process unfolding in Tuscaloosa suggests that when the decision is made, it will be the right one. Not just for the season ahead—but for the new era of Crimson Tide football that is taking shape under Kalen DeBoer’s steady hand.
