Two quarterbacks Kalen DeBoer, the head football coach of Alabama, specifically selected players with high prospects of starting in 2025.

Alabama’s Quarterback Future: Who Will Lead the Tide in 2025?

As the 2024 college football season draws to a close, all eyes in Tuscaloosa are already looking toward the future. With Nick Saban’s consistent success at Alabama, the Crimson Tide will undoubtedly continue to be a contender for national titles, but the next few seasons will be crucial in shaping the direction of the program, particularly at the quarterback position.

Alabama is known for its recruiting dominance, and as always, they have multiple talented quarterbacks on the roster. In the search for their next great leader under center, there are two names that stand out as high-potential candidates to start for Alabama in 2025: Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe. Both quarterbacks offer unique skill sets, and their development will play a pivotal role in Alabama’s future success.

This analysis will look at both quarterbacks, the prospects they bring to the table, and how they could factor into Alabama’s future.

Ty Simpson: The Pro-Style Quarterback with a Bright Future

Ty Simpson is one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks to come out of the 2023 recruiting class. Ranked as a five-star prospect, Simpson was heralded as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in his class. While he was not as flashy or as hyped as some of the other top prospects, he was widely considered a future star with the ability to lead Alabama’s offense for years to come.

Skill Set and Strengths

Simpson brings a versatile skill set that is perfect for Alabama’s pro-style offense. He is known for his excellent mechanics, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. What sets Simpson apart is his ability to make all the throws required at the next level. He has an excellent arm that can make both deep throws and quick, sharp passes over the middle. His ability to read defenses and process information quickly also gives him a leg up when it comes to the mental aspects of quarterbacking.

One of Simpson’s most appealing traits is his ability to perform in pressure situations. As a high school quarterback, he regularly faced top-tier competition in Tennessee and thrived on big stages. His maturity and calmness in the pocket, even when faced with a pass rush, make him an ideal candidate for Alabama, a program where the quarterback often faces constant scrutiny and pressure.

Simpson also has the athleticism to escape the pocket when needed, though he is more of a traditional pocket passer than a true dual-threat quarterback like Jalen Milroe. This makes him a better fit in Alabama’s traditional offensive scheme, which often requires its quarterback to stay in the pocket and make reads rather than relying on athleticism alone.

Path to Starting in 2025

While Simpson has yet to become a full-time starter for Alabama, his potential as the team’s future leader is undeniable. With the 2024 season still ahead, there is a strong chance that he will either compete for or win the starting role. If he does not win the job outright in 2024, Simpson will likely take over as the starter in 2025, given that Nick Saban tends to develop quarterbacks with advanced skill sets early in their careers.

As Alabama transitions from older quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe and the now-departing Bryce Young, Simpson will be positioned to step in and take the reins as the future of the program. With his advanced knowledge of the game and the development he’s received during his first few seasons in Tuscaloosa, it is entirely possible that he could enter 2025 as a seasoned leader ready to guide the Crimson Tide offense.

Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Quarterback with Immense Potential

Jalen Milroe is the other quarterback currently in the mix to start for Alabama, and his future with the team will depend on his development during the 2024 season. Milroe was thrust into action during the 2023 season due to injury to Bryce Young, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, he also demonstrated some of the limitations that have plagued his game.

Skill Set and Strengths

Milroe is a dynamic athlete with elite speed and mobility, making him a constant threat in the run game. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 220 pounds, he has the physical build to succeed as a dual-threat quarterback. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs is arguably his greatest asset. On several occasions in 2023, Milroe took over games with his legs, turning what seemed like lost plays into explosive gains.

While Milroe’s athleticism is his most obvious strength, he also has a strong arm that can make deep throws down the field. His ability to drive the ball with velocity allows him to fit passes into tight windows, and his deep-ball accuracy was one of his standout traits in his brief starting appearances.

However, as has been well documented, Milroe’s passing game remains a work in progress. His decision-making at times was erratic, and his ability to read defenses and make quick, consistent decisions under pressure was inconsistent. Milroe’s mechanics have also been an issue, and his tendency to drift in the pocket has led to inaccuracy on many throws.

Path to Starting in 2025

While Milroe’s potential is undeniable, his path to starting in 2025 is somewhat unclear. In 2024, it is likely that he will face stiff competition for the starting job, especially with Simpson continuing to develop. If Milroe returns for another season, his ability to take his game to the next level will be paramount. For Milroe to have a legitimate shot at starting in 2025, he will need to refine his mechanics, improve his accuracy, and become more comfortable in the pocket.

Alabama has a long history of developing dual-threat quarterbacks, such as Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, but those players were able to complement their running abilities with refined passing games. Milroe’s future as a starter depends on his ability to develop those same traits.

There is certainly a chance that Milroe could start in 2025 if he makes significant improvements during the 2024 season. However, if he continues to struggle with consistency and decision-making, Simpson may have the inside track for the starting role in 2025.

What Does Alabama Need from Its 2025 Quarterback?

As Alabama continues to evolve under Nick Saban’s leadership, the program will continue to emphasize balance and versatility at the quarterback position. Whether it’s Ty Simpson or Jalen Milroe under center in 2025, Alabama will need a quarterback who can lead the offense with poise, decision-making, and efficiency.

The Need for a Complete Quarterback

Alabama’s offense has evolved into a more balanced unit, with the ability to beat opponents both through the air and on the ground. Nick Saban has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks who can handle pressure situations, read defenses, and execute under center.

In 2025, the quarterback for Alabama will need to excel in multiple facets of the game. Whether that’s Simpson with his pro-style ability or Milroe with his dual-threat potential, the key will be balancing raw talent with sound decision-making, accuracy, and mental toughness. Alabama’s quarterbacks need to elevate the offense and continue the legacy of success established by Saban’s previous quarterbacks.