For the 2025 college football season, an Alabama expert confirms the Crimson Tide’s longstanding quarterback competition status.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Alabama Crimson Tide enters a new chapter in its storied football history, with the ever-present storyline of the quarterback competition continuing to captivate fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Alabama has long been a powerhouse program, known for its defensive prowess, elite recruiting classes, and offensive juggernauts. Yet, one area that has remained a focal point of discussion over the past few seasons is the quarterback position, where competition has been fierce, and the decision-making surrounding the starter has remained an ongoing narrative for the Crimson Tide.

The 2025 season will be no different, with a new crop of quarterbacks vying for the starting spot. The team’s offensive philosophy under head coach Nick Saban has evolved over the years, shifting from a heavy emphasis on the running game to a more balanced, pass-friendly attack. This shift, combined with the influx of elite quarterback talent via recruiting, has intensified the competition at the most critical position on the field. For Alabama, this quarterback battle is not just about who leads the offense; it’s about maintaining their dominance in the SEC and positioning themselves for another national championship run.

A Legacy of Quarterback Competitions

Historically, Alabama’s quarterback competitions have been fascinating, often filled with intrigue and high expectations. The Crimson Tide has always recruited high-level quarterbacks, but the job of starting quarterback has never been handed out lightly. Instead, it has been earned, sometimes through a gradual buildup and sometimes due to injury or unexpected performance shifts.

Take, for example, the 2008 season, when the quarterback position was contested between John Parker Wilson and a talented group of younger quarterbacks. However, it was Wilson who emerged as the starter, providing stability during a season that saw Alabama return to national relevance under Saban.

A more recent and high-profile competition took place in 2018, when Alabama had to decide between Jalen Hurts, the incumbent starter, and Tua Tagovailoa, the breakout star of the previous season. Hurts had led Alabama to a national title game as a freshman, but Tagovailoa’s superior passing skills and playmaking ability had many clamoring for his ascension to the starting role. Ultimately, it was Tagovailoa who won the starting spot, but Hurts’ leadership and his ability to deliver in big moments—such as the 2018 SEC Championship game—reminded everyone of the importance of depth and adaptability in a competitive environment.

In recent seasons, Alabama has experienced similar high-profile quarterback battles. After Tagovailoa’s departure to the NFL, the Crimson Tide navigated another quarterback competition between Mac Jones, who was eventually named the starter, and the highly touted freshman Bryce Young. Jones went on to have a sensational 2020 season, leading Alabama to a national championship, but Young took over the following year and quickly became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, winning the 2021 Heisman Trophy.

As Young left for the NFL in 2023, the conversation shifted once again to the next wave of quarterbacks poised to lead Alabama into the next era. As of the 2025 season, Alabama fans find themselves once again in the midst of a quarterback competition, but this time, it may feel even more consequential given the level of talent at the position and the high expectations for the team.

The 2025 Quarterback Battle

The battle for Alabama’s starting quarterback spot for the 2025 season involves several key players: redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe, freshman Dylan Lonergan, and transfer portal acquisition, Tyler Buchner. Each brings their unique skills, background, and experience to the table, making it one of the most intriguing and competitive battles in recent memory.

Jalen Milroe: The Veteran with Dual-Threat Ability

Jalen Milroe enters the 2025 season as the most experienced quarterback on Alabama’s roster, though his experience in meaningful games has been limited. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal caller from Texas was a highly touted recruit in the 2021 class, and he has shown flashes of his immense potential during his time at Alabama. Milroe’s athleticism and dual-threat capabilities make him a unique weapon in the Crimson Tide offense, and his ability to make plays with his legs has earned him significant praise from coaches and analysts.

Milroe had brief starting opportunities during the 2023 season when Bryce Young was sidelined due to injury. In those moments, Milroe showcased his strong arm and mobility, leading Alabama to victories in his starts. His biggest challenge, however, has been his consistency as a passer. Milroe’s accuracy and decision-making have been under scrutiny, and he has faced questions about his ability to lead a high-octane offense that demands precision in the passing game. While Milroe’s athleticism allows him to make plays that few quarterbacks can, he still needs to develop as a passer if he’s going to emerge as the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2025.

As of now, Milroe is seen as the frontrunner for the job, thanks to his experience and unique skill set. However, his ability to refine his passing mechanics and prove his consistency in practice will be crucial in determining whether he secures the role as the starter.

Dylan Lonergan: The Freshman Phenom

Dylan Lonergan, a 5-star freshman from Georgia, is one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects in Alabama’s recent recruiting classes. Lonergan has been praised for his arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. The 6-foot-4 quarterback is the type of traditional dropback passer that Alabama fans have come to expect from top-tier quarterbacks, and his ability to throw deep balls with precision and touch could make him a perfect fit for Alabama’s evolving offensive system.

Although Lonergan is a freshman, he is not a stranger to high-level competition. He had an impressive high school career, starring for his high school team and earning recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. While Lonergan may not have the same level of experience as Milroe, his raw talent and high ceiling make him an exciting option for Alabama.

The challenge for Lonergan, of course, will be the jump from high school to college football. While he possesses all the physical tools to succeed at the next level, the SEC is a different beast entirely. Lonergan will need to quickly adjust to the speed and complexity of college defenses. As a freshman, he will likely face some growing pains, but his strong arm and football IQ could make him a serious contender for the starting job, depending on how quickly he adapts to the college game.

Tyler Buchner: The Transfer with Big Expectations

Tyler Buchner, a transfer from Notre Dame, adds an interesting dynamic to Alabama’s quarterback competition. Buchner, a former 4-star recruit, has shown flashes of potential during his time at Notre Dame, but his tenure there was also marred by inconsistency and injuries. In 2023, Buchner started the first few games for the Fighting Irish before a shoulder injury sidelined him for much of the season. Despite the setbacks, he showed promise as a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs.

Buchner’s decision to transfer to Alabama was driven by his desire to play in an offense with a higher ceiling and the chance to compete for a national championship. He brings experience to the table, which could prove valuable for Alabama in its search for a stable starter. Buchner is likely seen as a “wild card” in this competition—he’s not as young as Milroe or Lonergan, but his potential has not yet been fully realized. If Buchner can stay healthy and capitalize on his opportunity, he could emerge as a legitimate contender for the starting job, particularly if Milroe or Lonergan struggle with consistency.

What Alabama Needs from Its Quarterback in 2025

Alabama’s quarterback competition is more than just about who has the best arm or the most raw talent. The Crimson Tide are built on a strong team foundation, with a stout defense, elite running back corps, and a solid offensive line. What Alabama needs from its quarterback in 2025 is a leader who can manage the game, make timely throws, and take advantage of the weapons around them.

Saban’s offense has evolved in recent years, and while Alabama is still known for its powerful running game, the team has also become more pass-oriented, especially in crucial moments. The quarterback must be able to take what the defense gives, distribute the ball effectively to Alabama’s talented receiving corps, and keep the offense balanced. The Crimson Tide’s system relies on a quarterback who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic offense without trying to do too much.