As with past offseasons when Alabama has an open quarterback competition, the battle for the starting role is dominating conversation. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are all in the running, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer is frequently asked about the situation during interviews.
That held true during his recent appearance on Greg McElroy’s Always College Football podcast, which aired Monday. McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback himself, asked DeBoer when he hoped to have a starter decided.
DeBoer said his goal is to name a starter about “a week-and-a-half” before the season opener against Florida State.
“We typically have a longer lead-in to game week — we call those bonus practices — ahead of Week 1,” DeBoer explained. “There’s a weekend and a few days prior to the opener, and that’s usually the ideal time to have your guy set so he can build rhythm with the receivers and really get focused on first-team reps. But if we’re ready to name one earlier, that’s definitely on the table too.”
Following spring camp, Simpson was identified as the frontrunner to replace Jalen Milroe. A redshirt junior, Simpson has been Alabama’s main backup over the past two seasons.
Still, the competition remains tight. Mack, who transferred from Washington with DeBoer, has a strong connection to offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who recruited him. Russell, a true freshman and Elite 11 MVP, flipped his commitment from SMU and brings a five-star pedigree to the mix.
During the podcast, McElroy also asked DeBoer what qualities he values most in a quarterback.
“People often focus on things like completion percentage or who looks the best now,” DeBoer said. “Those stats matter, sure, but what really counts is who’s consistently moving the offense — whether with the first team or the backups — during daily practice.”
Alabama’s preseason camp begins in early August. The Crimson Tide kick off the 2025 season — DeBoer’s second at the helm following Nick Saban’s retirement — against Florida State on August 30.
