As is typical during an Alabama offseason with uncertainty at quarterback, the battle for the starting role has become the central storyline. With Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell all competing for the job, head coach Kalen DeBoer is frequently asked about the position during interviews.
That trend continued during his recent appearance on Greg McElroy’s Always College Football podcast, released. McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback himself, didn’t miss the chance to ask DeBoer when he expects to name his starter for Week 1.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer said he hopes to have Alabama’s starting quarterback named roughly a week and a half before the season opener against Florida State.
Speaking on Greg McElroy’s Always College Football podcast, DeBoer noted that Alabama typically builds in a few “bonus practices” before the official game-week prep begins. “That’s kind of the time where you definitely want to have the starter in place so he can get fully in sync with the receivers, build chemistry, and lock in those reps,” DeBoer explained. “But if that clarity comes earlier, even by a few practices or a week, we’ll go ahead and name the guy then.”
Following spring camp, Ty Simpson emerged as the frontrunner to replace Jalen Milroe. The redshirt junior has served as Alabama’s backup for the past two seasons. However, Simpson still faces stiff competition from Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington and the only quarterback in the mix recruited primarily by new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and Keelon Russell, a highly touted true freshman and former Elite 11 MVP who flipped his commitment from SMU.
During the podcast, McElroy also asked DeBoer what quality matters most when evaluating the quarterbacks. DeBoer emphasized consistency in moving the offense. “People get caught up in completion percentage and stats, and those do matter,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about which guy is consistently moving the ball downfield in practice — that’s the real difference-maker.”
Alabama begins fall camp in early August, with DeBoer entering his first full season at the helm after taking over from legendary coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide opens its 2025 season on August 30 against Florida State.