With spring practice winding down, the buzz surrounding Alabama football is beginning to quiet—yet the quarterback situation remains very much in the spotlight. Head Coach Kalen DeBoer faces a critical decision as the Crimson Tide prepares to enter a new era following Jalen Milroe’s departure. DeBoer hasn’t named a frontrunner among the trio of quarterbacks battling for the starting role: Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. Each brings unique strengths and drawbacks, but Simpson—thanks to his familiarity with the program—appears to have a slight edge.
Simpson, once a favorite under former head coach Nick Saban, is the most experienced of the three. The prevailing belief is that if freshman Austin Mack were to surpass Simpson on the depth chart, Simpson might consider entering the transfer portal. But for now, he remains with the Tide, showing leadership and dedication, and earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. During a period when many players left the program following Saban’s departure, Simpson chose to stay and continue developing his game.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb recently hinted that Alabama would have a clear starter if the season were to begin immediately. This suggests that the coaching staff has identified a likely QB1—presumably Simpson, given his veteran status. The team appears to have solid depth at the position, which could be crucial in the coming months.
Age and maturity seem to be working in Simpson’s favor. Insider Kyle Henderson broke down the age gap among the quarterbacks: Simpson is 22, while Mack recently turned 18, and Russell is about to turn 18. The experience and maturity gap is significant, though all three quarterbacks have received praise from the coaching staff. According to Henderson, this maturity advantage makes Simpson an ideal candidate to lead the team into the season.
Currently, Mack, a standout transfer who followed DeBoer from Washington, appears second in line. He has impressed the staff with his daily effort and work ethic. While his future looks bright, Alabama may not want to take the risk of starting an unproven freshman during such a critical transition year. Grubb has stated that he wants the best player to start, and if that’s Simpson, then he fully supports that decision.
DeBoer’s choice isn’t without potential consequences. If Simpson doesn’t get the nod, there’s speculation he could enter the transfer portal. On the flip side, if Mack doesn’t win the job, he might reconsider his own position, though DeBoer emphasized his close relationship with Mack. Mack didn’t transfer from Washington without a strong bond with the coach.
DeBoer also praised Mack’s work ethic, saying the young quarterback is among the hardest workers on the team. That kind of commitment excites the coaching staff and could keep Mack in the mix even if he doesn’t win the starting job right away.
Meanwhile, Russell remains a contender too. Though still young, he continues to develop and push the boundaries of his game. DeBoer sees all three quarterbacks as valuable assets, each starting from different places—Mack transferring in, Russell being a new recruit, and Simpson already having experience within the system.
Ultimately, the quarterback competition remains open, but the team is confident in the depth and potential of all three. The trust between coaches and players continues to build, and that connection will likely play a pivotal role in determining who leads the Crimson Tide into the upcoming season.