Alabama QB Battle Heats Up: Kalen DeBoer Emphasizes Ongoing Competition Despite Ty Simpson’s Spring Edge as Fall Camp Nears
As the dust settles from spring practices in Tuscaloosa, one thing is certain: the quarterback battle at Alabama is far from over.
With the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL, all eyes have turned to who will lead the Crimson Tide offense in the new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer. And while redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson appeared to gain a slight edge during spring workouts and the A-Day spring game, DeBoer made it clear this week — no job has been won yet.
“Ty did some really good things this spring,” DeBoer told reporters. “But I’ve said from day one: competition doesn’t end after spring ball. We’ve got a talented room, and every guy will have a real opportunity come fall camp.”
The Spring Standout: Ty Simpson
Simpson, the former five-star recruit out of Tennessee, showcased his growth throughout the spring, capping it off with an efficient performance in Alabama’s annual A-Day game. He showed poise in the pocket, improved decision-making, and leadership that had fans and analysts alike buzzing.
Still, DeBoer isn’t ready to name a starter just yet — not with the likes of Dylan Lonergan and incoming freshman phenom Julian Sayin in the mix.
A Quarterback Room Full of Talent
The quarterback room is one of Alabama’s deepest in recent memory. Lonergan, a strong-armed, athletic passer who turned heads during spring practice, is very much in the conversation. Meanwhile, Sayin — the highly touted early enrollee and consensus top-5 quarterback in the 2024 class — has impressed coaches with his maturity and quick adaptation to the college game.
“Julian is everything we expected and more,” DeBoer noted. “He’s a competitor, and he learns fast. Don’t count him out.”
Add in sophomore Austin Mack and walk-on veteran Cade Carruth, and the battle could remain open well into August.
DeBoer’s System Demands Consistency
What makes this competition particularly intriguing is how each quarterback is adapting to DeBoer’s offensive philosophy. Known for his QB-friendly schemes and explosive passing attacks, DeBoer is installing a new playbook after arriving from Washington. It’s a system that turned Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and national title contender — and now Alabama fans hope it will do the same for whoever wins the job.
“Execution and consistency are going to be key,” DeBoer said. “We want someone who can lead, protect the football, and make the right reads at the right time. We’ve got options, and that’s a good problem to have.”
What’s at Stake
For Alabama, the quarterback decision is more than just picking a starter — it could define the program’s immediate future. After a decade of dominance under Nick Saban, expectations remain sky-high. The new coaching staff is looking to set a tone early, and the quarterback under center in Week 1 will carry the weight of championship hopes on his shoulders.
The Tide open their 2025 season with a marquee matchup against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field — a nationally televised showdown that will immediately test whoever earns the starting role.
Final Word
As fall camp approaches, the message from DeBoer is crystal clear: the quarterback battle is still wide open.
Ty Simpson may have taken the lead, but in Alabama’s quarterback room, one good practice or bad scrimmage could flip the pecking order instantly. For Crimson Tide fans, the wait for clarity continues — and so does the anticipation.
“One of these guys is going to separate,” DeBoer said. “We just don’t know who yet — and that’s exactly how it should be.”
