Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer calls out Crimson Tide’s biggest question mark for 2025 season

As the 2025 college football season rapidly approaches, one of the sport’s most prominent programs, the Alabama Crimson Tide, finds itself in a unique position. After years of dominance under legendary head coach Nick Saban, the team is entering a new era with the looming question of what comes after Saban. In this crucial transitional period, Alabama is faced with many uncertainties, and there’s a particular area of concern that head coach Kalen DeBoer has openly addressed: the quarterback position.

While Alabama has consistently maintained one of the most talented rosters in college football, the quarterback position in 2025 represents the biggest question mark. With the departure of superstar quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young to the NFL, the Crimson Tide is entering a new chapter. As DeBoer continues to build his vision for the future of Alabama football, he is looking at how to develop a new leader at the most important position on the field, and it’s clear that this is where the team’s fate could be decided in 2025.

The Transition: Alabama Under Kalen DeBoer

Kalen DeBoer was hired as Alabama’s head coach after a standout coaching career, most notably at Fresno State, where he turned around a struggling program and established himself as one of the rising stars in college football. Known for his offensive acumen, DeBoer’s hiring was seen as a move to modernize Alabama’s approach to offense, especially in a post-Saban world. His offensive strategies and innovative thinking, along with a strong recruiting pitch, brought hope that Alabama would continue its legacy of dominance.

However, despite DeBoer’s track record of success, one of the toughest challenges he faces as head coach of Alabama is handling the inevitable changes to a program that has been so synonymous with Saban’s leadership. While the Alabama Crimson Tide still boast elite talent across the board, there are questions about how quickly DeBoer can replicate the same success that Saban achieved over the course of his reign. One thing is for certain: his ability to adapt and manage the quarterback position will be crucial for the program’s success.

The Quarterback Conundrum: Who Replaces Bryce Young?

The quarterback position has always been a key component of Alabama’s dominance. Under Nick Saban, Alabama consistently had quarterbacks who were ready to lead at a high level, from AJ McCarron to Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones, and of course, the most recent example, Bryce Young. Young was a game-changer, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and leading Alabama to numerous successful seasons. His ability to make plays, both from the pocket and on the move, helped to solidify his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in Alabama history.

However, with Bryce Young now in the NFL, DeBoer and his staff must now turn to the next wave of quarterbacks. At Alabama, the starting job is always one of the most coveted in college football, and the competition to replace Young is intense. Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and several incoming freshmen will all compete for the starting role in 2025. But the big question is: who can step up and lead the team with the same poise and performance that has been a hallmark of Alabama quarterbacks for years?

Jalen Milroe, a highly touted dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his running ability, but questions linger about his consistency as a passer. Milroe possesses the physical tools to be an elite quarterback, but can he harness that potential and become a more polished signal-caller?

Ty Simpson, another top recruit, is considered by many to be the more natural passer of the two, with excellent mechanics and poise in the pocket. However, he lacks significant experience at the college level, and there’s uncertainty about whether he can handle the pressure of leading Alabama’s offense in 2025.

Additionally, Alabama has brought in several highly ranked freshmen who will be competing for the position, adding even more intrigue to the mix. DeBoer has not been shy about acknowledging that the quarterback battle will be a crucial storyline for the 2025 season, and the team’s success largely hinges on the emergence of a leader at the most important position on the field.

DeBoer’s Call to Action: The Pressure on the New Quarterback

Kalen DeBoer recently spoke candidly about Alabama’s quarterback situation, making it clear that while the talent is certainly there, the key to success in 2025 will come down to how quickly the new starter can step into the role and execute under pressure. In his remarks, DeBoer emphasized that whoever earns the job must be more than just a talented individual contributor— they must be able to rally the team, make quick decisions under duress, and maintain composure when the stakes are highest.

“At Alabama, the quarterback position is not just about throwing the ball well,” DeBoer stated during a recent press conference. “It’s about being the leader of the team, getting everyone on the same page, and making sure you stay cool under pressure. We’ve seen that in the past with guys like Mac Jones and Bryce Young. They didn’t just play well—they led. And that’s what we need moving forward.”

This is a crucial point for DeBoer and Alabama. The Crimson Tide have long been known for their defensive prowess and ability to grind out victories, but the offensive game has evolved in recent years to require dynamic quarterbacks who can make quick reads, extend plays, and drive the ball downfield in high-pressure situations. It’s no secret that the quarterback has become one of the most important positions in college football, and Alabama’s success in 2025 will likely be determined by how well the new starter can fill those shoes.

While DeBoer’s system is designed to play to a quarterback’s strengths, it’s clear that the pressure will be on the starter to step up and prove that they can carry Alabama’s offensive load. DeBoer has stated that he will continue to evaluate all of the contenders thoroughly, but he has also made it clear that there are no guarantees. The best performer in practice and in spring and fall camp will likely earn the starting job, but it’s up to the quarterbacks themselves to show they can deliver in key moments.

The Supporting Cast: Can the Talent Around the Quarterback Step Up?

While the quarterback position may be the biggest question mark for Alabama in 2025, it’s also important to consider the players who will be surrounding the new signal-caller. Alabama’s recruiting success over the past several years has created a wealth of talent at nearly every position, and the supporting cast will play a major role in whether the team can contend for a national championship.

On the offensive side of the ball, Alabama continues to have one of the best offensive lines in college football, and the running back room is deep with talent, led by Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, both of whom are capable of carrying the load and opening up opportunities for the quarterback. The wide receiver group has also remained talented, with the emergence of young stars like Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice alongside experienced playmakers.

On defense, Alabama has consistently produced top-tier defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. The team’s ability to dominate on that side of the ball will relieve some of the pressure on the offense, allowing the new quarterback to grow into the role while knowing that the defense will keep the team in games.

However, the offense’s ability to gel and develop chemistry will depend heavily on how well the quarterback can orchestrate everything. If the signal-caller struggles to find a rhythm or make key plays, the offense may not reach its full potential, even with a talented supporting cast. This will be something to watch closely throughout the season.

The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s Legacy in 2025 and Beyond

Beyond just the quarterback battle, the 2025 season will be pivotal for Alabama as they transition into a new era. While the future of the program remains bright, the next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether Alabama can continue to maintain its spot at the top of college football.

If Kalen DeBoer and the coaching staff can identify the right quarterback to lead the team in 2025, Alabama could continue its dominance. However, if the quarterback situation proves to be a problem, it could mark a shift in the balance of power within the SEC and college football at large. The race for the national championship will likely see the usual suspects like Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan vying for supremacy, but Alabama is far from out of the picture. With the right leader under center, the Crimson Tide can quickly reassert their position among the elite programs in the country.