How did the Alabama football quarterbacks, including Ty Simpson, perform in the inaugural spring scrimmage? What was stated by Kalen DeBoer

The University of Alabama’s football program has long been known for its success on the gridiron, and with the new 2025 season approaching, a key question looms large over the team: who will be the starting quarterback? With head coach Kalen DeBoer now at the helm as offensive coordinator, the battle for the starting job has been one of the most highly anticipated storylines of Alabama’s spring practices. This spring has brought excitement as fans are eager to see which signal-caller will emerge as the leader of the offense.

In the inaugural spring scrimmage, which took place in late March 2025, Alabama’s quarterbacks were given a chance to prove themselves in front of coaches, teammates, and a large contingent of fans. The scrimmage provided insight into the development of the three quarterbacks who are most likely to compete for the starting position—Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. Each one of them has strengths that could help elevate the Crimson Tide offense, but this scrimmage served as the first significant test of their readiness for the upcoming season.

Ty Simpson: The Veteran of the Group

Ty Simpson enters the 2025 season as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in Alabama’s spring quarterback competition. As a redshirt sophomore, Simpson has spent two years under the tutelage of the previous offensive coaching staff and is now working with Kalen DeBoer, who brings a fresh perspective to the offense. Simpson’s strong arm, leadership qualities, and ability to process information quickly on the field have always been regarded as his key strengths. However, he has yet to seize the starting job and will need to prove himself during this pivotal spring camp.

During the inaugural spring scrimmage, Simpson showcased many of the qualities that have made him a promising quarterback for the Tide. While he did not have the most dazzling performance of the day, he displayed a solid understanding of the offense and the ability to make throws into tight windows. Simpson’s poise in the pocket and ability to read defenses stood out during the scrimmage. He was able to maintain control of the offense and made several throws that demonstrated his potential to lead Alabama’s high-powered attack.

One of the most significant moments of the scrimmage for Simpson came when he orchestrated a well-executed drive that culminated in a touchdown. The drive featured a series of quick throws and good decision-making, with Simpson spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. While he had some inconsistencies, particularly in terms of his timing with some of the deeper passes, Simpson’s performance was a reminder of his potential to be a starter. He demonstrated that he has the necessary tools to lead Alabama, but it will be up to him to refine his skills further as the spring progresses.

Austin Mack: The Dark Horse in the Race

While Ty Simpson is the most experienced quarterback on Alabama’s roster, Austin Mack could be the wildcard of the competition. A redshirt freshman, Mack enters the spring as an underdog in the battle for the starting job, but he’s a player who has drawn significant praise from coaches and teammates for his athleticism and raw talent. Standing at 6-foot-4, Mack has the physical tools to compete at the highest level. He possesses a strong arm and is capable of making throws at all levels of the field. His mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs add another dimension to his game, something that could be particularly valuable in DeBoer’s offense.

In the spring scrimmage, Mack showcased his natural talent, though like Simpson, he had some moments of inconsistency. He impressed with his ability to make throws on the run and demonstrated the ability to throw deep with accuracy. However, Mack also had some issues with his decision-making, which led to a few errant throws and missed opportunities. He was able to show flashes of his potential, but his lack of experience showed at times, especially when facing pressure from Alabama’s defense.

One of the most telling moments from Mack’s scrimmage performance came in the second half when he led a drive that resulted in a field goal. While Mack didn’t find the end zone during his time on the field, he did show the ability to keep drives alive and move the ball downfield. He also had a couple of nice throws on third down that kept the chains moving. With more development and time spent in DeBoer’s system, Mack could become a serious contender for the starting job. He has all the physical tools and the potential to develop into a capable leader, but he will need to clean up some of the rough edges in his game.

Keelon Russell: The Freshman with a Lot to Prove

Keelon Russell is a true freshman who arrived at Alabama with a lot of fanfare. A highly ranked recruit, Russell was one of the top quarterbacks in his class and is expected to compete for playing time immediately. He is an extremely athletic player with an excellent arm and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. Russell’s blend of size, arm strength, and mobility makes him an exciting prospect for Alabama, and he has the chance to be a future star for the program.

In the inaugural spring scrimmage, Russell was given an opportunity to showcase his skills. He had some of the most eye-catching plays of the day, particularly with his legs. His mobility in the pocket was a standout feature, as he was able to evade pressure and extend plays. Russell demonstrated a solid understanding of the offense and made several accurate throws on the run. However, like Mack, Russell showed some inconsistency with his decision-making. He had a few moments where he tried to force throws into tight coverage, which resulted in turnovers. As a freshman, these mistakes are expected, but they are something that will need to be addressed as he continues to develop.

Despite the occasional hiccups, Russell’s performance was encouraging for the Alabama coaching staff. He demonstrated a lot of potential and could be a player who sees significant playing time in the near future. His athleticism and playmaking ability are undeniable, and if he can clean up some of the mistakes that come with being a freshman, he could make a push for the starting role. While it’s unlikely he will start the season as the No. 1 quarterback, Russell has the potential to be a key player for Alabama in the years to come.

Kalen DeBoer: A Fresh Perspective

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 season for Alabama is the arrival of Kalen DeBoer as offensive coordinator. DeBoer is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks. He comes to Alabama after a highly successful tenure as the head coach at Washington, where he helped develop several standout quarterbacks. DeBoer’s offensive philosophy is predicated on quick, efficient passes, a balanced run game, and an emphasis on quarterback decision-making. His system has a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks, and he is expected to play a major role in the development of Simpson, Mack, and Russell.

After the spring scrimmage, DeBoer spoke about the quarterback competition and the performances of each player. He emphasized the importance of consistency and decision-making, noting that while all three quarterbacks showed flashes of brilliance, they each need to refine their skills. DeBoer was particularly pleased with the quarterbacks’ ability to execute the offensive system and praised their willingness to learn. He acknowledged that there is still a long way to go before a starter is named, but he is confident that the competition will bring out the best in all of them.

“I’m really excited about the competition,” DeBoer said. “Each of these guys brings something different to the table, and it’s great to see them pushing each other. We’re looking for consistency, for someone who can not only make the big plays but also manage the game and execute the offense efficiently. All three quarterbacks have the potential to be successful, but we need to continue to develop them and fine-tune their skills.”

DeBoer also emphasized the importance of leadership in the quarterback position. “The quarterback has to be the guy who brings the team together,” he explained. “We need someone who can lead, make the right decisions under pressure, and keep the offense moving forward. All three of our quarterbacks have that potential, but it’s something we’ll need to see more of as we move forward.”

What’s Next for Alabama Quarterbacks?

With the first spring scrimmage behind them, Alabama’s quarterbacks now face the challenge of continuing to develop under the watchful eye of Kalen DeBoer. The competition is far from over, and each quarterback will need to put in the work during the remainder of spring practices to solidify their spot on the depth chart. The upcoming A-Day game, set for April 12, will be another key opportunity for the quarterbacks to show what they can do in front of a live crowd.

For Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell, the clock is ticking as they battle for the starting role. Each of them has the talent and potential to lead Alabama’s offense, but it will be their ability to consistently perform under pressure that ultimately determines who will be the starter. With DeBoer at the helm and a talented group of quarterbacks vying for the position, it’s clear that Alabama’s future at the quarterback position is bright.

As the 2025 season approaches, the battle for the starting quarterback spot at Alabama is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in college football. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely as the competition continues to heat up.