Greg McElroy provides a solid analysis of the competition and potential ramifications in the Alabama quarterback competition.

The quarterback position at any football program is often the most scrutinized and analyzed, and at a powerhouse like the University of Alabama, it’s no different. For decades, the Crimson Tide has been home to elite quarterbacks who have not only led their teams to championships but have also gone on to have illustrious careers in the NFL. With the program’s tradition of excellence under head coach Nick Saban, the question of who will take the reins as Alabama’s starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season has been one of the most talked-about topics in college football.

In the midst of this high-stakes quarterback battle, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has provided a solid analysis of the competition, offering valuable insight into how the race could unfold and what the potential ramifications are for the team’s future. McElroy, who was the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2010 and helped lead Alabama to a National Championship in 2009, has a wealth of experience both on the field and in analyzing football.

The Context of Alabama’s Quarterback Competition

Before delving into McElroy’s analysis, it’s important to understand the context of the current quarterback situation at Alabama. Following the departure of Bryce Young, who went on to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide was left searching for a new leader under center. While Alabama has had great success with elite quarterbacks over the years, such as AJ McCarron, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, the position has been filled with some uncertainty in recent seasons due to injuries and inconsistent play.

In the 2024 season, Alabama used Jalen Milroe as their starting quarterback, and while Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, there were also moments of inconsistency, particularly when it came to passing accuracy and decision-making. Alabama’s offense had a different feel with Milroe, who is known for his dual-threat capabilities, but many felt that his overall development as a quarterback was still a work in progress.

Heading into 2025, there are multiple candidates vying for the starting role, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Tyler Buchner, who transferred to Alabama from Notre Dame. Each of these quarterbacks brings a unique set of skills to the table, and the competition has been one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason. For McElroy, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, this quarterback battle is about more than just individual talent – it’s about finding the player who can lead Alabama to another championship.

Greg McElroy’s Insight into the Alabama Quarterback Battle

McElroy, who has since transitioned to being a media analyst for ESPN, has consistently shared his thoughts on Alabama football and the quarterback situation. As someone who understands what it takes to win a national title with Alabama, his perspective is invaluable. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key points McElroy has made regarding the quarterback competition and what it means for Alabama’s 2025 season.

1. Jalen Milroe: A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Room to Grow

Jalen Milroe’s physical tools have never been in question. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 220 pounds, Milroe possesses the ideal frame for a quarterback. His athleticism is evident as he can make plays with both his arm and his legs. In his time as Alabama’s starter, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance as a runner, using his legs to pick up key first downs and score touchdowns. His big-play ability with the ball in his hands was a major reason why he was able to keep Alabama competitive, especially in their wins during the 2024 season.

However, McElroy has pointed out that Milroe’s development as a passer is still a work in progress. While Milroe can make the deep throws and has the arm strength to succeed in college football, his accuracy on intermediate and short passes has been inconsistent. In McElroy’s analysis, this is the key area where Milroe must improve in order to take the next step as a starting quarterback at Alabama.

“Jalen Milroe has the talent to be a top quarterback in the SEC, but the next step for him is mastering his consistency,” McElroy said. “If he can improve his accuracy and decision-making in the pocket, he’ll be tough to beat. He has all the tools, but consistency is what separates good quarterbacks from great ones.”

The main question for Milroe heading into the competition is whether or not he can become a more well-rounded passer and cut down on mistakes, particularly the interceptions and errant throws that sometimes plague him during games. McElroy noted that Milroe’s ability to run the football provides a unique dynamic for Alabama’s offense, but for the team to truly contend for a national title in 2025, Milroe’s passing game must improve.

2. Ty Simpson: The Future Leader of the Tide?

Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit, has been waiting for his moment to shine at Alabama, and many people believe 2025 could be his time to take over as the starting quarterback. Simpson was a highly touted recruit from the 2023 class, known for his precision, football IQ, and arm strength. He has been groomed to take over the offense at Alabama, but with the presence of Milroe and the arrival of Tyler Buchner, Simpson has yet to establish himself as the undisputed starter.

McElroy believes Simpson has all the tools to succeed at Alabama, but much like Milroe, he will need to prove himself on the field. Simpson’s challenge is less about raw talent and more about his ability to perform under pressure and handle the demands of being Alabama’s starting quarterback. According to McElroy, Simpson’s biggest advantage over Milroe is his ability to operate as a traditional pocket passer, which could be critical for Alabama’s offensive balance.

“Ty Simpson has the tools to be the next great Alabama quarterback,” McElroy said. “He’s got the arm strength, the accuracy, and the poise that you want in a quarterback. But he has to prove that he can handle the intensity and expectations that come with being the starter at Alabama. If he can show he can perform in big moments, I believe he’ll be the guy.”

For Simpson, the 2025 season could be his big opportunity to seize control of the starting role. He will have to outperform Milroe in key areas, such as reading defenses, decision-making, and maintaining composure in pressure situations. If Simpson can do that, he has the potential to become a leader for Alabama’s offense and make a significant impact on their quest for a national championship.

3. Tyler Buchner: A Wild Card in the Competition

The arrival of Tyler Buchner, a transfer from Notre Dame, adds another layer of intrigue to the quarterback competition. Buchner comes to Alabama with experience as a starter in college football, having played in multiple games for the Fighting Irish. While he hasn’t been as consistent as Milroe or Simpson at times during his career at Notre Dame, Buchner is an intriguing option because of his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground.

Buchner’s skill set is similar to Milroe’s in some ways, as he is also a dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays with his legs. However, McElroy has pointed out that Buchner’s experience could give him an edge over Milroe and Simpson, as he has already played in big games and faced intense competition. His ability to operate in different offensive schemes and lead a team in a high-pressure environment could give him an advantage in the competition.

“It’s hard to ignore the experience that Tyler Buchner brings to the table,” McElroy said. “He’s played in big games, and while he has had some ups and downs, there’s a lot of potential there. Alabama could benefit from having someone with his experience, especially if the competition is tight between Milroe and Simpson.”

However, McElroy also cautioned that Buchner’s inconsistency at Notre Dame could make it difficult for him to unseat either Milroe or Simpson, especially if they perform well during spring practices and fall camp. Still, Buchner’s presence in the quarterback room provides Alabama with an experienced backup option and a potential starter in case the other two quarterbacks falter.

The Ramifications of the Quarterback Battle for Alabama’s 2025 Season

The decision on who will start at quarterback for Alabama in 2025 is about much more than just the quarterback position. It has major implications for the entire program, as the leader under center will play a huge role in determining the team’s success in the SEC and in the national title race. McElroy emphasized that the quarterback position is one of the most important in college football, and Alabama’s ability to win games, particularly against the SEC’s elite teams, will be determined by how well the starting quarterback plays.

“The quarterback position is the most important in college football, and whoever wins this job will play a huge role in Alabama’s ability to compete for championships,” McElroy said. “Nick Saban has a proven track record of winning with quarterbacks who can perform at a high level, and that’s what this team needs. Whoever emerges from this competition must be able to handle the pressure and play consistently at a championship level.”

The winner of the quarterback battle will not only be expected to perform in the regular season but also in high-stakes games, including the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. With Alabama’s championship aspirations firmly in place, the stakes for the quarterback competition couldn’t be higher.