The biggest storyline surrounding Alabama football heading into the 2025 season is who will take over at quarterback for the departed Jalen Milroe, who is heading to the NFL after holding down the position for two years. Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the focus now shifts to a promising but inexperienced trio competing for the starting role: redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and highly-touted freshman Keelon Russell.
Though all three lack significant game experience, Simpson—once a five-star recruit—has patiently waited behind Milroe and is currently seen as a frontrunner. However, it’s Russell who’s generating the most buzz. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound freshman from Duncanville, Texas, was rated the No. 2 overall recruit in the country. Still, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, noted that Simpson and Mack are currently leading the way, while Russell is still getting acclimated to the speed of the college game.
“Everyone wants to know about the quarterback,” McElroy said. “What will Ty Simpson look like compared to Austin Mack in that top-two battle? And how much ground has Keelon Russell made up?” While Russell’s talent is undeniable, McElroy reminded fans that it’s not unusual for a top recruit to take time developing, citing examples like Bryce Young and Arch Manning, who didn’t start as true freshmen. “If you’re chasing a national championship, starting a freshman QB might not be ideal,” he added.
Coach DeBoer also offered some insight ahead of Alabama’s spring game, saying Simpson is currently getting the bulk of the reps with the first team, while Russell is rotating in with the second unit and occasionally taking first-team snaps. “That’s not necessarily a reflection of how we feel about him—he’s been outstanding,” DeBoer said. “He’s clearly becoming more comfortable and is moving the offense well when he’s out there.”
The Crimson Tide will open their season on August 30 with a high-stakes matchup at Florida State.
