The ‘key’ question that will determine Alabama football’s success in 2025 needs to be answered by Kalen DeBoer.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the path to success for any program is often shaped by a myriad of factors, including talent acquisition, coaching strategies, and the development of players. For Alabama, a program with a rich tradition of championships and excellence under Nick Saban, the question looming over the 2025 season is clear: How will Alabama respond to its changing dynamics at quarterback?

Quarterback play has long been a defining characteristic of Alabama football, and while the team has consistently recruited high-level talent, the identity of the 2025 squad hinges on how this new generation of quarterbacks performs. With the emergence of new faces behind center, how will Nick Saban and his coaching staff address the leadership question under center?

One person who could play a critical role in answering this question is Kalen DeBoer, the offensive mind behind some of the most explosive offenses in college football. DeBoer, known for his offensive acumen, has worked with quarterbacks at multiple programs and built systems that maximize their potential. His expertise could provide valuable insight into what Alabama needs to do to transition successfully at the quarterback position for the 2025 season.

In this article, we’ll explore the quarterback situation at Alabama, examine Kalen DeBoer’s potential influence on the program’s offensive strategy, and discuss how the Crimson Tide can adapt to the evolving demands of college football to continue their quest for a national championship.

Alabama Football’s Quarterback Conundrum for 2025

Alabama has become synonymous with success at almost every position on the football field. However, the program has always leaned on its quarterback play to help carry it through the toughest games and into the postseason. From the dominant Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron to the transcendent Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, Alabama quarterbacks have been integral to the team’s success. More recently, the program has seen the emergence of Bryce Young, who won the 2021 Heisman Trophy and led Alabama to another National Championship appearance.

But the 2025 season will be markedly different. With Bryce Young having declared for the NFL Draft after his brilliant career, Alabama finds itself in a position where it needs to answer key questions at quarterback once again. While the program boasts impressive talent, there is no clear frontrunner to replace Young. The question of which quarterback will step up to the challenge is one of the most significant storylines for the Crimson Tide in the lead-up to the 2025 season.

Currently, Jalen Milroe, a talented dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and athleticism, is seen as one of the top candidates to assume the starting role. However, he’s struggled with consistency in his past opportunities, and Alabama fans are eager to see whether he can develop into a reliable leader for the team.

Additionally, Alabama will likely bring in more competition from Ty Simpson, a highly touted recruit with a strong skill set, including accuracy and decision-making ability. Simpson’s development will be one to watch closely as the program seeks to find its next signal-caller for the future.

However, Alabama’s success in 2025 will hinge on one key element: the development of these quarterbacks into playmakers who can handle the pressures of a championship-caliber team. While both Milroe and Simpson have the physical tools to thrive, the real question is whether they can manage the complexity of Alabama’s offensive scheme, take command of the offense, and execute under pressure.

The Role of Kalen DeBoer in Alabama’s Offensive Evolution

While much of the attention in the upcoming 2025 season will be focused on the quarterbacks, the offensive philosophy and system that the team employs will be just as important. This is where Kalen DeBoer could play a pivotal role. DeBoer, currently the head coach at Washington, has established himself as one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football. Prior to his success at Washington, DeBoer had stints as an offensive coordinator at places like Indiana and Fresno State, where he transformed offenses and developed quarterbacks into stars.

DeBoer’s approach is grounded in maximizing the strengths of his quarterbacks while utilizing a wide array of offensive schemes. He’s known for running an up-tempo offense, prioritizing quick throws, high-percentage completions, and spreading the field to open up opportunities for big plays. These are elements that could translate well to Alabama’s offense, especially if the quarterback situation remains uncertain.

One of the biggest advantages DeBoer could bring to Alabama is his ability to simplify complex offenses for young quarterbacks, allowing them to read defenses more effectively and make decisions faster. His experience working with quarterbacks at various levels of development means that he can adjust his approach based on the strengths and weaknesses of the players at his disposal.

At Washington, DeBoer turned quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into one of the nation’s top passers, leading the Huskies to an explosive offensive season in 2023. Penix, who had struggled with consistency at previous stops, became one of the best quarterbacks in the country under DeBoer’s tutelage. His ability to take a quarterback’s raw talent and mold it into elite performance is exactly the kind of expertise Alabama will need to navigate the uncertainties at quarterback.

DeBoer’s offensive system could offer a perfect balance for Alabama’s evolving offensive needs. His schemes could allow Milroe, Simpson, or whoever earns the starting spot to settle into the position and focus on executing without being overwhelmed by complexity. Furthermore, DeBoer’s emphasis on a strong passing game could complement Alabama’s traditional strength in the running game, creating a balanced offense that is difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

The Key Question for Alabama: Can DeBoer Unlock the Quarterback’s Potential?

While DeBoer’s offensive philosophy could prove to be a game-changer for Alabama, it all comes down to whether he can unlock the potential of Alabama’s quarterbacks. This is the central question that will determine Alabama’s success in the 2025 season and beyond. Given the stakes—both for the program’s future and for the team’s immediate prospects—a strong and consistent quarterback will be crucial.

If DeBoer can bring out the best in Milroe, Simpson, or any other quarterbacks in the mix, the Crimson Tide offense could be one of the most potent in college football once again. Alabama has the talent in place across the roster, particularly at wide receiver, tight end, and running back, to support strong quarterback play. With a well-developed quarterback at the helm, Alabama could compete for a playoff spot and chase another national championship.

However, the potential for failure also exists. If Alabama struggles to find stability at quarterback and DeBoer’s schemes fail to click with the players, it could result in an underwhelming season for the program. The quarterback position is too important to Alabama’s success, and with the team’s national title aspirations on the line, finding a reliable quarterback is essential.

Kalen DeBoer’s Influence on the Broader College Football Landscape

The decision to bring in Kalen DeBoer as an offensive coordinator or consultant (or some similar capacity) would not only be a boon for Alabama’s development at quarterback, but it could also reverberate throughout the broader college football landscape. DeBoer’s success at Washington and his ability to revamp offensive systems have already garnered attention, and should Alabama tap into his expertise, it could lead to a resurgence of high-level offenses in college football.

This would not be the first time that Alabama has adjusted its offensive approach in response to changing trends in the game. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have evolved their offense over time, from a traditional pro-style system to incorporating more spread and up-tempo principles in recent years. Bringing in someone with DeBoer’s offensive vision could help Alabama continue to adapt and maintain its spot as one of the nation’s elite programs.