Why a transfer quarterback is not necessary for Alabama football

Alabama football, under the stewardship of head coach Nick Saban, has long been a dominant force in college football, winning national championships and consistently producing NFL-level talent. However, in recent seasons, one of the few areas of uncertainty has been the quarterback position. With Alabama’s offense being a key part of its success, the team’s quarterback play is always under scrutiny, and with the ever-present availability of transfer quarterbacks via the NCAA’s transfer portal, it’s not surprising that some have questioned whether Alabama needs to dip into the transfer market to bolster the position.

In this article, we will argue that a transfer quarterback is not necessary for Alabama football, and that the program has several reasons to rely on its existing quarterbacks and develop from within. From the talent already on the roster to Alabama’s established culture of quarterback development, there are several reasons why a transfer quarterback may not be the answer for the Crimson Tide in the coming seasons.

1. Alabama’s Track Record of Quarterback Development

One of the most important factors to consider when discussing whether Alabama needs a transfer quarterback is the program’s history of developing quarterbacks. While Alabama’s offensive identity was once primarily built on power running and defense, over the past decade, the team has evolved into a more balanced offense, featuring elite quarterbacks who can make plays in the passing game. Under Nick Saban, quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young have all flourished, becoming not only Heisman Trophy candidates but also first-round NFL draft picks. This speaks volumes about Alabama’s ability to develop quarterbacks and get the best out of them.

Rather than turning to the transfer portal for an experienced quarterback, Alabama has repeatedly demonstrated that its system is capable of bringing out the best in its quarterbacks, whether they’re highly touted recruits or players who have developed during their time in Tuscaloosa. This ability to develop quarterbacks from within has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s success and is a key reason why a transfer quarterback may not be necessary.

Consider Bryce Young, who went from a highly regarded but relatively unknown backup to Tua Tagovailoa to winning the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. This transformation occurred through careful development, not by Alabama bringing in a transfer quarterback. Similarly, Mac Jones, once seen as a “game manager” early in his career, developed into a first-round pick through his hard work and the guidance of Alabama’s coaching staff.

This history of quarterback development gives Alabama confidence that its existing quarterback roster has the potential to succeed. The current crop of quarterbacks, such as Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, may need more time to develop, but the coaching staff has a proven track record of getting the best out of its signal-callers, making a transfer quarterback seem unnecessary.

2. The Talent Already on the Roster

Another significant reason why Alabama doesn’t need to pursue a transfer quarterback is the talent already present on the roster. Alabama is not lacking in talented quarterbacks; rather, the team has young, highly recruited quarterbacks who are still in the early stages of their development.

Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe, who has served as a backup quarterback in 2023, is perhaps the most obvious example of why Alabama doesn’t need a transfer quarterback. A dual-threat athlete with elite athleticism, Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance when given opportunities on the field. In limited action, Milroe has demonstrated the ability to stretch the field with his legs while also showing off his powerful arm. While he may not have yet proven himself as a polished pocket passer, his athleticism and ability to make plays with both his arm and legs give him the potential to lead Alabama’s offense in 2025.

Milroe’s dual-threat ability is a significant asset in the modern college football landscape, where teams are increasingly relying on quarterbacks who can make plays both inside and outside the pocket. Alabama’s offense has traditionally been balanced, and Milroe’s skill set allows him to make plays on the move, extending drives and making things happen when the pocket breaks down. As he gains more experience in the offense, Milroe has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker, and his upside is one of the primary reasons why Alabama does not need to look elsewhere for a quarterback.

Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson, another highly touted quarterback, represents another reason why Alabama does not need a transfer. Simpson was one of the top quarterback prospects in the country when he committed to Alabama, and his potential has been evident throughout his early years with the program. Although he has not yet started a game for Alabama, Simpson’s skills as a pocket passer are well-regarded. He has the ability to make all the necessary throws and has the football IQ to excel in the Alabama offense.

Simpson’s development is crucial for Alabama’s long-term success, and his understanding of the system will only improve with more time in the program. Rather than bringing in an outsider via the transfer portal, Alabama can continue to build its offense around a quarterback who has been with the program from the beginning, allowing for more continuity and trust in the system. Simpson has the potential to grow into an elite quarterback under Saban’s coaching, and with a solid offensive line and playmakers at his disposal, he could be primed to take over as the starter in 2025.

Both Milroe and Simpson possess the talent and potential to thrive in Alabama’s system, and they are already familiar with the program’s culture, playbook, and coaching staff. There is no need to disrupt their development by bringing in a transfer quarterback, especially when both players have the ability to be successful in their own right.

3. The Importance of Continuity and Stability

One of the key factors in Alabama’s sustained success over the years has been the continuity and stability that Nick Saban has built within the program. The Crimson Tide’s coaching staff, while frequently raided by other programs for top-tier assistants, has consistently maintained a strong core that understands the system and culture that Alabama values. The quarterback position is no different.

Bringing in a transfer quarterback could disrupt the stability that Alabama has worked hard to establish at the position. The team’s offensive scheme, its relationship with the coaching staff, and the trust between the quarterback and his teammates are all factors that can be difficult for a transfer to adjust to, especially in a high-pressure environment like Alabama.

By sticking with the quarterbacks already on the roster, Alabama maintains that continuity. Both Milroe and Simpson have spent time learning the offensive system, adjusting to Saban’s expectations, and building chemistry with their teammates. Transferring in a new quarterback may risk undermining some of this continuity, and it could also stunt the development of the players who have been with the program for multiple years.

4. The Modern College Football Landscape and Quarterback Development

In the modern era of college football, it’s easy to look at the transfer portal as a quick solution to any roster problem. However, history has shown that relying too heavily on the portal can create more problems than it solves. Transfer quarterbacks often face significant challenges when adapting to a new system, culture, and coaching staff, and success is never guaranteed. Alabama, with its elite infrastructure, is in a position where it can develop quarterbacks from within and have them succeed without needing to rely on a transfer.

The development of quarterbacks takes time, and rushing the process by bringing in a transfer can potentially hinder long-term growth. Both Milroe and Simpson are talented quarterbacks with different strengths, and it is worth taking the time to develop them into the players they can become rather than chasing after a transfer. Alabama’s system is designed to produce success through development and continuity, and a transfer quarterback may not align with this philosophy.

5. Recruiting and Long-Term Success

Finally, one of the reasons why a transfer quarterback is unnecessary for Alabama is the long-term strategy of the program. Alabama consistently recruits at a high level, and the team’s pipeline of quarterbacks will continue to thrive. In addition to Milroe and Simpson, Alabama is expected to bring in future top-tier quarterback recruits, ensuring that the program has a deep and talented pool of signal-callers.

Alabama’s commitment to recruiting and developing its quarterbacks ensures that the program won’t be caught in a situation where it has to rely on the transfer portal every few years. The Crimson Tide’s quarterback room will remain strong, not because of transfer solutions, but because of Saban’s ability to recruit and develop talent over the long term.