Alabama’s Quarterback Battle Heats Up Under Kalen DeBoer
With the departure of Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide finds itself in a new era, and only one player from Saban’s time remains—quarterback Ty Simpson. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, known for his mastery of the transfer portal, has worked through significant roster changes following Saban’s unexpected exit. After navigating a challenging season with numerous player departures, DeBoer now looks to strengthen the depth chart, particularly at quarterback. He has added two other promising quarterbacks, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, to compete with Simpson for the starting role in 2025.
While Alabama no longer struggles with depth at the quarterback position, a fierce competition has emerged among the three talented signal-callers in Tuscaloosa.
Keelon Russell Joins an Intense QB1 Battle
As DeBoer enters his second season with Alabama, the question of who will lead the offense has become more crucial than ever. Making the wrong decision could impact the team’s performance, and even analysts find it difficult to predict the outcome of this battle.
College football analyst JD PicKell weighed in on the situation, saying, “Alabama’s the trickiest one for me. I have the lowest level of confidence in predicting who wins the quarterback battle for Alabama. You got Austin Mack, you got Ty Simpson, and you got the wild card that is freshman Keelon Russell.”
Russell, ranked as the nation’s second-best quarterback prospect in his class, boasts impressive high school stats. Playing for Duncanville High School, he threw for 4,177 yards with 55 touchdowns and only four interceptions in the 2024 season, completing about 67% of his passes. In 2023, he had an even higher completion rate of 72.1%, totaling 3,483 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Talent vs. Experience: A Crucial Decision for DeBoer
Despite Russell’s raw talent, experience plays a critical role in quarterback selection. PicKell raised concerns about whether DeBoer would take the risk of starting a freshman after a less-than-stellar first season as head coach. He noted, “He’s a freshman, so do you really want to roll with a freshman after a lackluster season in year one for Kalen DeBoer?”
Alabama is a program with high expectations, and there is little room for experimentation. PicKell suggested that DeBoer might use Russell’s inexperience as an excuse to buy time, but ultimately, Alabama fans expect immediate success. This makes it likely that the final decision will come down to Simpson and Mack before spring football begins.
The Future of Alabama’s Offense with Russell
Even if Russell does not win the starting job as a freshman, his presence is expected to be a game-changer for the Crimson Tide. ESPN college football analyst Tom Luginbill has high expectations for him, calling him one of the “best fits” in the 2025 recruiting cycle. According to Luginbill, “He’s the ideal QB to get the ball out quickly and accurately, push it downfield in DeBoer’s offense, and extend plays with his legs.”
At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Russell has already drawn comparisons to former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe due to his dual-threat ability. His intelligence, passing skills, and ability to execute plays make him a valuable asset for the future. If Simpson or Mack struggles in their role, DeBoer may have no choice but to turn to Russell.
As Alabama’s quarterback battle continues, all eyes are on DeBoer’s decision-making. The upcoming season will reveal whether Russell’s raw talent can outshine experience or if the Crimson Tide will rely on a more seasoned quarterback to lead them forward.