Kalen DeBoer is known for taking his time when making quarterback decisions. However, Alabama Football will need to establish its QB1 early in the 2025 season to ensure the best option gets enough reps—especially if the goal is to defeat Georgia.
DeBoer faces a unique challenge: none of Alabama’s quarterbacks for the 2025 season have started a college game. When Jalen Milroe was benched against South Florida in 2023, Ty Simpson was considered, but the coaching staff ultimately went with Tyler Buchner. Simpson, who has appeared in 16 games over three seasons, has completed 29 of 50 pass attempts and rushed for 130 yards.
If Simpson is Alabama’s best shot at beating Georgia in September, he will need significant game experience against Florida State, ULM, and Wisconsin. The same applies to Austin Mack and Keelon Russell—except their need for reps would be even greater if one of them is named the starter in August.
This presents a challenge for DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan. At least two quarterbacks will need substantial playing time starting in Week 1. But what if no clear leader emerges by the end of fall camp? How can Alabama prepare one to beat Georgia if multiple QBs are still competing? Some may call this a dilemma rather than a challenge.
When asked about his expectations for Alabama’s next starting quarterback, DeBoer emphasized leadership and execution. “It’s gotta be a guy that can deliver the ball, command the huddle, and command everything we need as a team. That presence, that belief, and confidence in your signal caller… But that belief comes because you’ve been making the throws and getting the ball to the guys in a way where they can make plays,” he said on Monday.
DeBoer has historically been patient when naming a starting quarterback, both at Washington and Fresno State. That approach likely won’t change at Alabama. However, whoever starts and gets the majority of playing time against Florida State needs to be the quarterback capable of leading Alabama past Georgia.
Alabama’s Quarterback Room is Loaded with Talent
Fans are eager for a starter to be announced. After watching practice footage, some Alabama supporters were already calling for Keelon Russell to be QB1. However, it’s worth noting that Russell isn’t the only highly touted quarterback on the roster—Ty Simpson was a five-star recruit in 2022. Austin Mack, who reclassified early, may have been rated a five-star as well had he completed his senior year of high school. As a junior, Mack threw for 3,498 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
Regardless of who wins the job, Alabama has no shortage of talent at quarterback.
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