With Jalen Milroe moving on to the NFL level, the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to have a quarterback battle this spring to decide who will get to start for the program in their opening game. And former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has a clear preference for who he would like to see get the opportunity.
Currently, it appears as if the quarterback battle will be a three-man competition between Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack all vying for the starting job.
Of the bunch, Russell comes in with arguably the most true talent, coming in as the No. 2-ranked quarterback recruit in the 2025 high school recruiting class. Meanwhile, Mack came over from Washington with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, backing up Milroe last season.
Of all the options, though, Ty Simpson, who was recruited to the Alabama program by Saban and opted to stay at Alabama once Saban left and DeBoer came into town, presents the most experience of the bunch, seeing action in 16 games over the course of his three-year collegiate career.
As you may expect, Saban naturally has a vested interest in Simpson getting the first crack at starting, which he voiced publicly in an interview at his annual golf tournament on Tuesday.
“Well, you know, Ty (Simpson) was an outstanding high school player, no doubt. He is a fine young man. I think his example is a true example of development. He’s matured and developed for two years and now he’s going to get the opportunity. And I think those experiences are probably going to help him be successful. We’re rooting for him, that’s for sure. I have every confidence he will do a great job.”
It will surely be interesting to see who DeBoer ultimately chooses to be the starting quarterback in 2025. But at least he knows where the man he succeeded at Alabama stands on the matter.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.