As the Crimson Tide look to bounce back from a poor season under pressure from tradition and expectations, Kalen DeBoer’s unexpected quarterback problem exposes Alabama’s shortcomings.

The University of Alabama football program has long been synonymous with success, dominance, and consistency. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have not only shaped the landscape of college football but have set the gold standard for what a championship program should look like. However, after a disappointing season that left the Tide struggling to maintain their typical level of excellence, Alabama finds itself at a crossroads. The traditional expectations that come with being part of the Crimson Tide machine—coupled with a changing landscape in college football—have placed enormous pressure on Saban and his staff.

Alabama’s inability to live up to its own lofty standards has only been exacerbated by the unexpected rise of Kalen DeBoer and his impressive tenure at Washington. DeBoer, who has brought about a revitalization of Washington’s offense, has also created an uncomfortable quarterback situation at Alabama, exposing some of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in Alabama’s program. As DeBoer’s offense flourishes, Alabama is left to face its own quarterback dilemmas, which ultimately highlights deeper issues plaguing the program.

In this article, we will dive into how Alabama’s struggles, particularly at the quarterback position, have unfolded, the expectations that have only become more daunting with time, and how Kalen DeBoer’s unexpected quarterback issue mirrors the broader challenges facing the Crimson Tide in 2025.

The Pressure on Alabama: An Unforgiving Tradition

Alabama’s football program has long been the epitome of excellence. Under Nick Saban, the Tide have accumulated a staggering number of national championships, SEC titles, and NFL prospects. The success of players like Joe Namath, Derrick Henry, and Tua Tagovailoa has reinforced the program’s reputation as a pipeline for future stars, creating an atmosphere where failure is not an option.

However, that very tradition has become a double-edged sword. As the expectations grow, so too does the pressure. Every season is viewed through the lens of championship aspirations, and anything short of a playoff berth or a national title feels like a failure. Alabama’s fall from its usual perch at the top has been a shock to its supporters and a source of embarrassment to the program’s elite recruiting class. The once-invincible machine has shown vulnerability, with cracks beginning to appear in its foundation.

Alabama’s struggles were on full display in the previous season, as the team fell short of making a real impact in the College Football Playoff. The inability to secure a consistent quarterback, coupled with issues on both sides of the ball, saw the Tide miss out on their expected run to the postseason. Alabama was still a formidable force, but a lack of discipline and efficiency—traits that are usually a hallmark of a Saban-coached team—suddenly seemed to plague their play. As the tide of success began to recede, a program that had been known for never losing its composure in crucial moments began to falter.

The 2025 season is a pivotal one for Alabama. The expectation to “bounce back” is immense, and Saban and his staff are under greater scrutiny than ever before. It’s clear that any failure to return to their previous level of dominance will be viewed as a major setback. However, a significant part of Alabama’s struggles lies in the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, which has only been magnified by the success of other programs, particularly Washington under Kalen DeBoer.

The Quarterback Conundrum: Alabama’s Ongoing Search for Stability

The quarterback position at Alabama has long been a source of strength. From Jalen Hurts to Tua Tagovailoa, and later to Mac Jones, Alabama has typically had a steady hand at the most important position on the field. However, in recent years, that stability has been more elusive.

In the 2024 season, Alabama struggled to find consistent play from its quarterbacks. Bryce Young, the star quarterback who had guided Alabama to the national title game in 2022, left for the NFL, creating a massive void. As a result, Saban turned to a combination of quarterbacks, but neither Jalen Milroe nor Ty Simpson was able to fully capitalize on the opportunity. Milroe, in particular, showed flashes of brilliance but was often inconsistent, while Simpson was not ready to take the reins in the way the program had hoped.

This instability at the quarterback position, which had previously been Alabama’s hallmark of success, became a glaring issue in 2024. The inability to effectively manage the game from the quarterback position led to a number of key losses, and the Tide’s offense, once the envy of the nation, began to look ordinary. The lack of a dynamic leader under center hampered Alabama’s ability to remain competitive with the likes of Georgia, LSU, and other SEC powerhouses.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Alabama is still in search of a long-term solution at quarterback. Milroe is expected to return, and Ty Simpson has the potential to develop into a star, but questions persist about whether either of them can truly lead the offense with the same level of poise and efficiency that past Alabama quarterbacks have displayed.

Kalen DeBoer and Washington’s Success: A New Standard

As Alabama grapples with its quarterback dilemma, another program has emerged as an offensive juggernaut in the Pac-12: the University of Washington. Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Huskies have turned into one of the most dangerous teams in the country, thanks in large part to their explosive offense and quarterback play. DeBoer, a coach known for his innovative offensive schemes, has quickly transformed Washington into a national powerhouse. The Huskies’ ability to score points at will, paired with their effective quarterback play, has set a new standard in college football.

The driving force behind Washington’s success has been their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. Under DeBoer’s guidance, Penix has become one of the most efficient and dangerous passers in the nation. His development under DeBoer has been remarkable, and it has placed Washington in the conversation for a College Football Playoff berth. DeBoer’s offense, which emphasizes fast-paced, high-octane passing attacks, has made the Huskies one of the most feared teams in the nation.

However, what’s truly significant about DeBoer’s impact is how it has highlighted Alabama’s quarterback struggles. While Washington’s offense has flourished thanks to a dynamic quarterback, Alabama has been unable to establish similar success. DeBoer has made it clear that a well-coached quarterback is essential to winning in today’s college football landscape, and as Alabama has faltered in this regard, it has exposed the program’s growing weakness.

Alabama’s Shortcomings Exposed

As Kalen DeBoer and Washington continue to gain momentum, Alabama’s inability to find stability at quarterback has placed them in a difficult position. DeBoer’s success with Penix has made it painfully evident that Alabama’s struggles at quarterback are not just a small issue—they are a major factor in the program’s inability to meet its usual standards.

For a program like Alabama, which has historically dominated the trenches and relied on strong defensive play and a potent running game, the inability to develop and sustain elite quarterback play has become a glaring shortcoming. Teams across the country are now looking to emulate Washington’s offensive philosophy, where a capable quarterback and a high-scoring offense are essential to winning big games. In comparison, Alabama’s defense-heavy approach has become less effective without the type of quarterback play needed to balance out the team’s overall performance.

Moreover, Alabama’s continued struggle with quarterback play has put them behind the curve in terms of modern college football trends. In an era where elite quarterbacks like Penix, Caleb Williams (USC), and Bryce Young (now in the NFL) are leading the charge, programs that fail to keep up with the times are at risk of falling behind. Alabama’s emphasis on physicality and a balanced attack is no longer enough to guarantee success when rival programs are excelling through explosive offenses and superior quarterback play.

The Road Ahead: Alabama’s Path to Redemption

With the pressure mounting and the gap between Alabama and its competitors growing, the Crimson Tide must find a solution to their quarterback problem if they are to return to national prominence. While Milroe and Simpson offer potential, it remains to be seen whether either can lead the offense in the way Alabama needs. The program will also need to revamp its offensive system to ensure it can compete with the high-flying, pass-heavy offenses that dominate the college football landscape today.

Moreover, the rise of Kalen DeBoer and Washington’s success serves as a reminder that, in today’s college football world, coaching and quarterback play are critical to achieving sustained success. DeBoer’s rapid transformation of Washington should serve as a wake-up call for Saban and his staff, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of the game.

For Alabama, the 2025 season will be a defining moment in the program’s history. The pressure to return to elite status is greater than ever, and finding the right quarterback will be essential to their success. While tradition and expectations will always loom large, Alabama must evolve if it is to stay competitive in the modern college football world. The performance of their quarterbacks will ultimately determine whether Alabama can reclaim its position atop the college football hierarchy, or whether they will continue to be exposed by the new wave of offenses and coaching brilliance led by figures like Kalen DeBoer.