According to Greg McElroy, one Alabama quarterback is currently in “firm control” of starting.

As the 2025 college football season quickly approaches, one of the most closely watched positions at the University of Alabama is the quarterback spot. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has built a dynasty founded on elite recruiting, coaching, and a strong, balanced offense. The quarterback position has been a critical part of that success, with past quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones playing pivotal roles in national championship campaigns.

Now, as Alabama enters a new era, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next great quarterback for the Crimson Tide? Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback and now a well-respected commentator, has provided some clarity on the matter. According to McElroy, one quarterback is currently in “firm control” of the starting role for Alabama in 2025. This statement carries significant weight, as McElroy is someone who has lived through the pressure cooker of playing quarterback at Alabama, and his assessment is based on a combination of his deep understanding of the game and his firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

In this piece, we will break down McElroy’s comments on Alabama’s quarterback competition, explore the quarterbacks vying for the position, and analyze what this means for the team as they aim for another national title.

The Quarterback Competition: A Critical Evaluation

For any team, the quarterback competition is always a focal point of discussion during the offseason. It’s no different at Alabama, where the bar is set high and the pressure is palpable. Over the past few seasons, Alabama has experienced a bit of a transition at quarterback, with players like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe taking center stage. However, entering 2025, the Tide is looking for its next signal-caller who can lead them to success, and McElroy’s comments have cast a spotlight on one individual in particular.

McElroy’s Assessment of the Situation

Greg McElroy, who was the starting quarterback for Alabama from 2007 to 2010, knows the ins and outs of what it takes to lead the Tide. His experience under Saban provides him with the perspective to evaluate quarterbacks in a way that few others can. When McElroy says that one Alabama quarterback is in “firm control” of the starting role, it signals that the competition may already be nearing its conclusion. But who is that quarterback, and what factors contributed to McElroy’s assessment?

While McElroy did not explicitly name the quarterback, his comments indicate that a clear frontrunner has emerged. For much of the offseason, Alabama’s quarterback competition has been discussed in terms of returning players and new recruits, each of whom brings different strengths to the table. However, McElroy’s insight suggests that one player has separated himself from the rest of the pack.

The Contenders: Who’s in the Running?

Several quarterbacks have been part of the conversation for the starting role, and each has unique qualities that make them compelling candidates. Let’s break down the primary contenders for the job.

Jalen Milroe: The Experience Factor

Jalen Milroe has been a part of the Alabama program for a few years now, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, he’s also had moments of inconsistency. Milroe has the physical tools to be a dominant quarterback—he’s a dual-threat athlete with a strong arm and the ability to extend plays with his legs. However, questions about his accuracy and decision-making have lingered, especially in high-pressure situations.

Milroe’s ability to run the football has never been in doubt, but for Alabama’s offense to reach its potential, he will need to continue developing as a passer. His performances in the 2024 season, particularly in big games, have not been enough to fully convince everyone that he’s ready to lead the team as a starter. That said, his familiarity with the offense and his natural athleticism make him a compelling candidate.

Ty Simpson: The Highly Touted Young Gun

Ty Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, is another key player in the quarterback battle. Coming into Alabama with high expectations, Simpson has drawn attention for his strong arm and poise in the pocket. As a young quarterback, Simpson still has room to grow, but his natural talent and football IQ have given many fans and analysts hope that he could be the future of Alabama football.

Simpson has spent time learning behind some of Alabama’s most successful quarterbacks, and many believe he’s ready to take the next step. However, the transition from high school to college football can be difficult, and Simpson will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of being the starting quarterback for one of the most storied programs in college football history. If he can make strides in his development during the offseason and spring practice, Simpson could certainly be a factor in the competition.

The Wild Card: A Potential Transfer or Newcomer

As always, Alabama is a program that is constantly recruiting top-tier talent. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a new face enter the competition for the quarterback role, whether it’s a transfer or a freshman who has impressed the coaching staff during spring workouts. Alabama has a reputation for landing some of the best players in the country, and if a quarterback enters the fold with the right skill set and mentality, they could quickly make a name for themselves.

However, given McElroy’s comments, it seems unlikely that a transfer quarterback or newcomer will take the starting job this season. Alabama typically values stability and experience in its quarterback room, so it’s more likely that the competition will come down to Milroe and Simpson.

The Key to Success: What Makes the Quarterback in “Firm Control” Stand Out?

McElroy’s assertion that one quarterback is in “firm control” of the starting role speaks to the idea that this player has demonstrated a level of consistency and leadership that has set him apart. What makes this quarterback stand out from the rest of the pack? Let’s break it down.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

One of the most critical aspects of playing quarterback at Alabama is the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Whether it’s managing the game in critical moments or making the right read against a defense, the quarterback’s decision-making ability can make or break a game. The player in firm control of the job has likely shown the coaching staff that he can manage the offense efficiently, make the right reads, and avoid costly mistakes.

Physical Tools and Mental Acumen

While physical talent is important, a quarterback’s mental acumen is just as essential. The player who has earned the starting role likely possesses a strong understanding of the offensive system, the ability to read defenses, and the football IQ to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Alabama’s offense has been known for its balance and versatility, and the quarterback must be able to execute the offense with precision. The player in control is likely someone who can make all the throws, reads defenses accurately, and take advantage of Alabama’s skilled playmakers.

Leadership and Poise

Another vital aspect that McElroy likely considered in his assessment is leadership. Quarterbacks at Alabama are expected to be vocal leaders on the field and in the locker room. The player in control of the starting role must have the confidence to lead the offense, keep the team focused in difficult situations, and rally his teammates when things aren’t going well. Whether it’s delivering a key throw or inspiring the team during adversity, leadership is a non-negotiable trait for Alabama quarterbacks.

The Road Ahead: How the Quarterback Competition Will Play Out

As Alabama moves closer to the start of the 2025 season, the quarterback competition will remain a focal point for fans, analysts, and coaches alike. While McElroy’s comments suggest that one quarterback is firmly in control, the situation is likely to evolve as the team progresses through spring practice and into fall camp. The competition is far from over, and each quarterback will have an opportunity to prove himself in front of the coaching staff.

While Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson remain the primary contenders for the starting job, it’s clear that Alabama has no shortage of talent at the position. The real question is who can consistently deliver the goods and lead the team to success in the highly competitive SEC.

In the end, the quarterback position will be one of the most scrutinized roles in college football this season, and McElroy’s assessment will undoubtedly fuel further discussion about who will emerge as the leader of the Crimson Tide. As Alabama continues to prepare for another national championship run, one thing is certain: the quarterback battle will play a pivotal role in the team’s success.