When the Crimson Tide visits Florida State in 2025, Alabama will have a new starting quarterback.

As college football continues to evolve, one of the most pressing questions surrounding top-tier programs is who will be under center. For Alabama football, one of the most storied programs in the sport, this question takes on added significance. In 2025, when the Crimson Tide visits Florida State, there will be a new face leading the offense at quarterback. This transition represents not just a change in personnel, but a pivotal moment in the evolution of the program’s offensive identity. As Nick Saban prepares to usher in a new starting quarterback, the road to securing this position will be a story of fierce competition, high stakes, and potentially a new era for Alabama football.

This article explores the factors surrounding Alabama’s quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season, focusing on who might step into the starting role, how the transition will impact the team’s success, and what challenges await the Crimson Tide as they prepare to face one of their toughest opponents of the season—Florida State.

The Importance of the Quarterback Position in Alabama’s Legacy

Before delving into potential candidates for the starting job in 2025, it is important to understand the immense pressure and importance that comes with being Alabama’s quarterback. Under Nick Saban, the Tide have seen numerous quarterbacks take the reins, each contributing to a rich tradition of success. From Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron to more recent stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young, the Alabama quarterback has always been an integral piece of the puzzle in the Tide’s championship aspirations.

In recent years, the quarterback position has taken on even greater importance with Alabama’s shift toward a more dynamic, pass-heavy offensive scheme. While the program has long been known for its dominant running game and powerful defense, Saban has embraced a more balanced offensive approach, integrating a vertical passing game that can exploit mismatches on the field. As a result, Alabama’s quarterbacks have become focal points in the offense, often tasked with managing a high-powered attack and making critical plays when the game is on the line.

The 2025 season will be no different. Whoever steps in as Alabama’s new starting quarterback will be asked to continue the program’s tradition of excellence while adapting to a rapidly evolving college football landscape. This is not a position where growing pains are easily tolerated. The new signal-caller will need to quickly grasp the offense, develop chemistry with a talented group of playmakers, and manage the inherent pressure that comes with being the face of one of the most successful programs in the sport.

Current Depth Chart and the Quest for the Next Alabama Quarterback

Heading into the 2025 season, Alabama will have a vacant quarterback spot, with no clear heir apparent. This could lead to an intense quarterback competition throughout the offseason and into the fall. Several factors will come into play as Saban evaluates his options, including experience, raw talent, and the ability to lead the offense in high-pressure situations.

Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Option

One of the most intriguing candidates to take over the starting quarterback role for Alabama is Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback who has had an up-and-down college career thus far. Milroe has the physical tools that NFL scouts crave, standing at 6’2” and weighing 215 pounds, with the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He has flashed moments of brilliance, especially in situations where his athleticism can be fully utilized, making him a potentially dangerous weapon for the Alabama offense.

However, Milroe has faced challenges with his consistency as a passer. While he has demonstrated a strong arm and the ability to stretch the field, his accuracy and decision-making have been areas of concern. If Milroe is to secure the starting job in 2025, he will need to show significant improvement in his passing mechanics, specifically in the areas of ball placement, timing, and reading defenses. Additionally, his ability to stay calm under pressure and develop as a leader will be crucial to his chances of earning the starting job.

Milroe’s athleticism makes him an enticing option for Alabama, as he can bring an added dimension to the offense with his ability to run the ball. If he can refine his passing game and become a more consistent threat in the air, he could be the ideal fit for the offense in 2025.

Ty Simpson: The Highly Touted Freshman

Another name to keep an eye on is Ty Simpson, a highly touted recruit who has garnered attention for his skill set and potential. Simpson was one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, ranking as a five-star prospect with a reputation for his accuracy, football IQ, and ability to make throws from all angles. As a pocket passer, Simpson is not as mobile as Milroe, but he has shown the ability to operate within the pocket, deliver precise throws, and lead a pro-style offense.

The challenge for Simpson in securing the starting role will be adjusting to the speed of the college game and gaining the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. Freshmen quarterbacks at Alabama often face an uphill battle in terms of earning playing time, but Simpson’s potential is undeniable. If he can show that he is ready to handle the pressure and lead the offense, he could very well make a strong push for the starting job.

The Transfer Portal and Potential Additions

As college football’s transfer portal continues to play an increasingly influential role in team composition, Alabama may look to add an experienced quarterback to the fold in the offseason. This is especially true if the coaching staff feels that the current crop of quarterbacks lacks the necessary experience or polish to lead the team to a national championship. A transfer quarterback could step in immediately and provide a veteran presence, which would be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.

While it is difficult to predict which quarterbacks might become available in the transfer portal, Alabama is historically known for being an attractive destination for experienced players looking for a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. If Alabama chooses to pursue a transfer quarterback, it could add an interesting layer to the competition.

The Significance of the 2025 Matchup Against Florida State

The 2025 Alabama vs. Florida State matchup is a highly anticipated game that will showcase two of the top programs in college football. For Alabama, this game presents an opportunity to make an early statement about their championship aspirations, while for Florida State, it will be a chance to prove themselves against one of the most prestigious programs in the sport.

The quarterback position will be under a microscope for Alabama as the Crimson Tide prepares for this matchup. By the time the game rolls around, Saban will likely have chosen his starting quarterback, and that player will need to be ready for the challenge of facing a talented Florida State defense. Florida State has emerged as a powerhouse in recent years, with a potent offense and a stingy defense, so the Crimson Tide quarterback will need to rise to the occasion and make plays to give his team a chance to win.

In a game of this magnitude, the quarterback’s ability to manage the game, make accurate throws, and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be pivotal. Alabama’s defense, though traditionally strong, will need the offense to keep pace with Florida State’s high-octane attack. If the Tide is to leave Tallahassee with a victory, the new starting quarterback will need to play at an exceptionally high level.

Building Toward the 2025 Season: What’s at Stake

The quarterback position in Alabama’s offense is perhaps more important than ever heading into 2025. With a new leader under center, the Crimson Tide will need to adjust to the nuances of their new quarterback’s style while maintaining the same level of dominance that has defined the program for the past decade. The competition for the starting quarterback job will be intense, with Milroe, Simpson, and potentially a transfer quarterback vying for the role. The player who emerges from this battle will need to quickly adapt to the team’s expectations and lead a group of talented skill players to success.

As Alabama gears up for the 2025 season, it’s clear that the quarterback will be the focal point of the offense. Whoever emerges as the starter will be under the microscope from day one, with the weight of Alabama’s championship aspirations resting on their shoulders. The game against Florida State will serve as a crucial test early in the season, one that will provide valuable insights into how the new starting quarterback handles the pressure and what kind of leader they are.

In a season filled with high expectations and immense pressure, Alabama will need their new quarterback to step up and lead the team toward another successful year. Whether it’s Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, or a new transfer quarterback, the 2025 season will be a defining moment in the program’s history. The quarterback battle will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the season, and Alabama fans will be eagerly watching to see who emerges as the leader of the Crimson Tide offense.