Greg McElroy claims that one Alabama quarterback is currently in “firm control” of starting.

The quarterback position at Alabama has always been one of great intrigue and high expectations, and 2025 is no exception. As the Crimson Tide gears up for the upcoming season, questions surrounding the starting quarterback role have lingered throughout the offseason. Alabama football, under head coach Nick Saban, has seen numerous talented quarterbacks come and go over the years, with some achieving legendary status, like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. Now, as the team looks to the future, the race to become the next starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide is intensifying, and the latest statements from former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy have added fuel to the conversation.

Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback himself, is well-known for his insightful commentary and analysis of the team. As an expert on Alabama football, McElroy has the credibility and perspective that few can match when it comes to evaluating the quarterback position. Recently, McElroy made headlines when he publicly stated that one Alabama quarterback is currently in “firm control” of the starting job for the 2025 season. His claim has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike, as the competition at the quarterback position remains one of the most hotly contested battles within the team.

In this article, we will break down McElroy’s statement, explore the candidates vying for the starting quarterback role at Alabama, and assess the potential impact of this development on the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

The Quarterback Battle at Alabama: A Tradition of Excellence

Before diving into McElroy’s remarks, it’s important to understand the context of the quarterback position at Alabama. For years, the Crimson Tide has been known for its elite play under center. Alabama’s quarterbacks have not only helped guide the team to national championships but have also consistently gone on to achieve success at the next level in the NFL.

Under Nick Saban’s leadership, Alabama has seen a remarkable evolution in its offense. Once known for its dominant ground game and defense-first mentality, the program has become one of the most balanced and explosive teams in the country, thanks in large part to the development of high-caliber quarterbacks. From the likes of AJ McCarron, who led the team to two national championships, to Tua Tagovailoa, who helped Alabama win another, the expectations for the quarterback position have been elevated. Mac Jones further solidified this standard by leading Alabama to a national title in 2020 before being drafted by the New England Patriots. Bryce Young, widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in Alabama history, followed suit and further cemented the program’s reputation for producing elite quarterbacks.

As a result, the starting quarterback role at Alabama is always one of the most coveted and scrutinized positions in college football. The pressure to perform at a high level is immense, and the competition for the job is fierce, especially when there are multiple highly talented candidates vying for the opportunity.

The 2025 Quarterback Candidates

Heading into the 2025 season, Alabama has a talented pool of quarterbacks who are vying for the starting role. While McElroy’s statement that one quarterback is in “firm control” of the job has shed light on the situation, the battle for the position has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike throughout the offseason.

Tyler Buchner: A Strong Contender

One of the leading candidates in the competition for the starting quarterback position is Tyler Buchner, who transferred to Alabama from Notre Dame in 2024. Buchner, a highly rated recruit when he initially committed to Notre Dame, has demonstrated a great deal of promise during his time with the Fighting Irish. He has the physical tools to succeed at the college level, including mobility, arm strength, and poise in the pocket. However, his career at Notre Dame has been marked by some inconsistency and injury issues, which has made it difficult to fully gauge his potential.

When Buchner made the decision to transfer to Alabama, it raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. On one hand, he was joining one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, with a rich history of quarterback success. On the other hand, he would be stepping into a highly competitive environment where playing time was not guaranteed, and the expectations would be sky-high.

As a player with starting experience, Buchner was always going to be a serious contender for the job. His ability to make plays with his legs and his potential to develop under Alabama’s elite coaching staff made him a valuable asset in the competition. Whether or not he could adapt quickly to Alabama’s system and emerge as the leader of the offense remained to be seen.

Jalen Milroe: The Returning Veteran

Another key player in the quarterback competition is Jalen Milroe, who returns to Alabama after spending time as a backup quarterback behind Bryce Young in 2024. Milroe, known for his athleticism and dual-threat abilities, has shown flashes of brilliance during his limited opportunities on the field, particularly with his ability to extend plays with his legs and make throws downfield.

However, Milroe’s development as a passer has been an area of focus during the offseason. While his athleticism and running ability are undeniable, there have been concerns about his consistency as a passer, particularly with his accuracy and decision-making under pressure. The spring and fall practices will be crucial for Milroe, as he looks to show the coaching staff that he can take the next step in his development and become a reliable passer in Alabama’s offense.

Milroe’s experience with the team and his familiarity with the playbook give him a significant advantage in the competition, but his growth as a quarterback will ultimately determine his place on the depth chart. If he can make strides in his passing game, he could become a strong candidate for the starting role, especially given his ability to add a dynamic element to the offense with his legs.

Dylan Lonergan: The Freshman Wild Card

Dylan Lonergan, a highly touted freshman quarterback, is another intriguing candidate for the starting role. Lonergan, a dual-threat quarterback from Georgia, has drawn significant attention for his impressive high school career and his potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses have been highly praised, and he arrives at Alabama with a ton of upside.

However, like many freshmen, Lonergan will face a steep learning curve as he adjusts to the level of competition in the SEC. The transition from high school to college football can be a difficult one, particularly at the quarterback position, where decision-making and poise are crucial. Lonergan’s development will be one of the most closely watched storylines of Alabama’s spring and fall camps. While it’s unlikely that he will start as a true freshman, his talent and potential could position him as a strong contender for the role in the near future.

Greg McElroy’s Statement: What Does It Mean for Alabama’s Quarterback Battle?

With so much talent in the quarterback room, the fact that Greg McElroy has come out and stated that one quarterback is currently in “firm control” of the starting job has sparked significant interest. While McElroy did not explicitly name the quarterback, the implication is clear that there is one player who has separated himself from the others in the competition. McElroy, who has a deep understanding of Alabama football and the intricacies of the quarterback position, likely has inside knowledge or a strong sense of what’s transpiring behind the scenes during spring practices.

If McElroy’s claim is accurate, it suggests that one quarterback has impressed the coaching staff enough to establish a stronghold on the starting role, with the competition from the other players serving as more of a formality at this point. This could indicate that the coaching staff has seen significant development from one player, or that they have decided that a certain player’s skill set is the best fit for the offense.

The question remains: which quarterback is McElroy referring to? Given the lack of a clear frontrunner, many speculate that the quarterback in “firm control” could be Jalen Milroe, due to his experience with the team and his ability to create big plays. However, it is also possible that Tyler Buchner’s experience and skill set have earned him the edge, or that Dylan Lonergan has impressed the coaching staff enough to make a strong push.

The Broader Impact: What This Means for Alabama Football

The starting quarterback position is critical to Alabama’s success in 2025. With a talented roster and a schedule that features tough SEC matchups and national championship aspirations, the quarterback’s ability to lead the offense will be a determining factor in the team’s success. The Crimson Tide will need a quarterback who can execute the offense efficiently, make plays in critical moments, and manage the game under pressure.

Greg McElroy’s statement that one quarterback is in “firm control” of the starting role could signal that Alabama’s coaching staff is ready to name their starter sooner rather than later. With spring practices already underway, the team’s quarterback situation will become clearer in the coming weeks. Alabama fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, which will set the tone for the rest of the offseason and the start of the 2025 season.

No matter who ultimately earns the starting job, one thing is clear: Alabama football remains in excellent hands at the quarterback position. With elite coaching, top-tier talent, and a culture of winning, the Crimson Tide will be ready to compete for championships, no matter who is under center.