What Jalen Milroe thinks of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell in Alabama football QB room

The quarterback position has always been a point of both pride and pressure in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Since the days of Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and later quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, Alabama has consistently produced NFL-caliber signal-callers. The competition within the Alabama football quarterback room is fierce, as top-tier athletes vie for the coveted starting job. In 2025, the spotlight is now on Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell, all of whom are vying for their shot at leading one of college football’s most storied programs.

Jalen Milroe, who started as Alabama’s quarterback during the 2024 season, has seen significant ups and downs in his journey with the Crimson Tide. With a mix of highlight-reel plays and moments of inconsistency, Milroe now finds himself in a position where the competition for the starting role is heating up. Milroe has had a front-row seat to the development of his younger counterparts, and his insight into what Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell bring to the table offers a unique perspective on what the future of Alabama football’s quarterback room holds.

As the 2025 season draws near, Milroe’s thoughts on his competition provide not only a glimpse into the dynamics of the QB room but also insight into the leadership and maturity that he brings as a seasoned competitor. In this article, we will dive into what Jalen Milroe thinks of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell—his current and future competitors in the Alabama quarterback room.

Jalen Milroe’s Journey at Alabama: The Foundation

Jalen Milroe’s path to becoming Alabama’s starting quarterback was not a straightforward one. A dual-threat quarterback with incredible athleticism, Milroe initially entered the program as a highly regarded recruit with the potential to make an immediate impact. However, it wasn’t until the 2024 season that Milroe truly began to showcase his skills on the field.

While his journey was not without struggles—particularly when it came to accuracy and decision-making—Milroe’s experience in leading the Tide offense has been invaluable. He learned quickly that being a quarterback at Alabama is about more than just talent. It’s about being a leader, adapting to the demanding expectations, and handling the pressure that comes with wearing the crimson and white.

Milroe’s success in 2024, despite some inconsistencies, was proof of his ability to rise to the occasion. He led the team through some tough games, showed flashes of brilliance with his arm and legs, and began developing his leadership qualities. But as the 2025 season approaches, the Alabama quarterback room is brimming with talent, and Milroe knows he’s not the only one with dreams of leading the offense.

Ty Simpson: The Future of Alabama Football?

Ty Simpson, a blue-chip recruit who joined Alabama with high expectations, is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. Known for his strong arm, quick release, and impressive football IQ, Simpson is a natural leader and has been compared to some of the best quarterbacks to ever come through Alabama. After spending time in the program and learning from the likes of Milroe, Simpson is primed for a breakout season.

Milroe has seen firsthand how Simpson has progressed, and he has high praise for the sophomore quarterback. In a conversation with reporters, Milroe emphasized Simpson’s poise and maturity, two attributes that are often difficult to come by in young quarterbacks.

“Ty’s got all the tools you want in a quarterback,” Milroe said. “He’s got a cannon for an arm, and he’s one of the most composed guys I’ve seen for his age. The way he handles pressure and makes decisions shows he’s mature beyond his years. I’ve been working with him for a while now, and it’s clear that he’s got the potential to be a great leader for this team. I think his time is coming soon.”

Milroe also pointed out that one of Simpson’s strongest attributes is his ability to process information quickly. Alabama’s offense is complex, and quarterbacks need to make fast, accurate decisions on the fly. Milroe has been impressed by Simpson’s mental approach to the game.

“Ty’s football IQ is off the charts. He’s one of those guys who’s always thinking a couple of steps ahead, and that’s what you need to be successful at quarterback at a place like Alabama,” Milroe added. “He’s a quick learner, and I have no doubt that when it’s his time, he’s going to make a huge impact.”

Milroe’s respect for Simpson is clear, and while there’s undoubtedly a healthy competition for the starting role, Milroe is confident that Simpson will rise to the occasion when his opportunity comes. As a veteran in the room, Milroe has taken it upon himself to be a mentor for the younger quarterbacks, and he has consistently emphasized the importance of leadership and staying focused.

“Look, we’re all competing for the starting job,” Milroe said. “But at the end of the day, we’re a team. We’ve got to have each other’s backs. Ty has that same mentality, and I know he’s going to be a huge asset to this team in the coming years.”

Austin Mack: The Wild Card in the QB Room

Austin Mack, a transfer quarterback from a smaller school, has flown a bit under the radar compared to Milroe and Simpson. However, Mack brings a unique skill set and experience to the table that can’t be ignored. With good size, mobility, and a solid arm, Mack has the potential to make a real impact in Alabama’s quarterback competition.

Milroe has been impressed by Mack’s work ethic and his willingness to learn from the more experienced quarterbacks in the room. While Mack may not have the same pedigree as Simpson, his toughness and determination are qualities Milroe respects.

“Austin’s a tough guy. He came in here with a chip on his shoulder, and you can tell he’s hungry to prove himself,” Milroe said. “He’s a quick learner, and every time he steps on the field, he gives it everything he’s got. There’s no doubt that he’s got the physical tools to succeed at this level.”

Milroe added that Mack’s competitive nature has made the quarterback room better overall. Having a player like Mack—who is hungry to prove himself and willing to work hard—creates a healthy level of competition that drives everyone to perform at their best.

“Having Austin in the room pushes all of us,” Milroe said. “He’s got that mentality where he’s not going to back down from any challenge. That kind of attitude is contagious, and it’s only going to help the whole team in the long run.”

Mack’s development will be something to watch in the coming months. While he might not be the frontrunner for the starting job in 2025, his progress could play a critical role in Alabama’s quarterback depth moving forward. Milroe’s acknowledgment of Mack’s potential shows that the senior quarterback sees a valuable asset in the transfer.

Keelon Russell: The Under-the-Radar Prospect

Keelon Russell, a younger quarterback who joined Alabama as a highly touted recruit, is a bit of a wild card in the Alabama QB room. Russell, while not yet in the spotlight like Milroe or Simpson, has drawn attention for his athleticism and raw potential. Milroe has been vocal about Russell’s work ethic and improvement since arriving at Alabama.

“Keelon is someone who you can see is really dedicated to the process,” Milroe said. “He came in as a freshman and has already made huge strides. He’s got the arm and the mobility to be a great quarterback, but like any young guy, he’s got to keep working on the mental side of the game.”

Milroe acknowledged that Russell still has a long way to go before he can challenge for a starting role, but he also believes that the freshman has the tools to eventually be successful at Alabama. Russell’s ceiling, according to Milroe, is high, but his development will depend on his ability to adapt to Alabama’s demanding offense and take advantage of the coaching and resources available to him.

“Keelon’s a guy who can make all the throws, and he’s got the legs to escape the pocket when he needs to,” Milroe said. “If he stays focused and keeps improving, he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

Milroe’s praise of Russell indicates that the competition for the quarterback job will only get tougher, and with a player like Russell in the mix, Alabama’s quarterback room remains one of the most talented in the country. While Russell may be further down the depth chart for now, his growth will be a key storyline in the years to come.

Leadership in the Quarterback Room

As the incumbent starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe’s role in the quarterback room is as much about leadership as it is about competition. Milroe has embraced this role, often acting as a mentor to the younger quarterbacks. He understands that being a leader isn’t just about showing up on game day; it’s about guiding his teammates through the highs and lows, offering advice, and helping them grow.

“Being a leader in this room means being someone my teammates can trust, whether it’s on the field or off the field,” Milroe said. “We all want to succeed, and the best way for that to happen is if we’re helping each other every step of the way. I know how important this position is at Alabama, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m ready to lead this team.”

Milroe’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. His ability to guide the next generation of Alabama quarterbacks will play a crucial role in the team’s success as the season progresses.