Kalen DeBoer stated that Alabama’s quarterback battle won’t be decided during A-Day or spring, emphasizing the need for more evaluation.

When the spotlight is on Alabama football, few positions garner as much attention as the quarterback spot. Given the Crimson Tide’s rich history of elite quarterbacks—such as Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones—the competition to start under center is always high-stakes. In the spring of 2025, the quarterback battle at Alabama has taken center stage, with three key candidates vying for the starting role: Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Dylan Lonergan.

However, Alabama fans hoping for a clear frontrunner to emerge during A-Day, the team’s annual spring game, will have to temper their expectations. Head coach Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator, Kalen DeBoer, has already made it clear that the battle for the starting quarterback position won’t be decided during A-Day or the spring practices. This statement has sent ripples through Alabama’s football community, sparking curiosity and debate about what this means for the team as the 2025 season draws closer.

In this article, we will break down why DeBoer’s comments carry significant weight, explore the quarterback situation at Alabama in greater detail, and assess what fans and analysts can expect as the competition continues throughout the offseason.

The Quarterback Battle: Key Candidates

Before diving into the implications of DeBoer’s statement, it’s important to understand the quarterback candidates competing for the starting job.

1. Jalen Milroe: The returning quarterback, Milroe is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s been a highly regarded prospect since his high school days in Texas, and he saw action as the primary quarterback for the Crimson Tide during some games in 2024. Milroe’s strengths are his physicality and ability to make explosive plays with both his arm and his legs. However, questions about his consistency as a passer remain, particularly in terms of accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
2. Ty Simpson: A former five-star recruit, Simpson represents the future of Alabama’s quarterback position. He is known for his strong arm, high football IQ, and excellent mechanics. However, Simpson hasn’t yet had the opportunity to showcase his talents on the field in a starting role, and many fans are eager to see what he can do when given the chance. Simpson has the tools to thrive in DeBoer’s offensive system, but he will need to prove he can handle the pressure of leading the offense.
3. Dylan Lonergan: The youngest of the trio, Lonergan is a highly rated freshman who joined Alabama as part of their 2025 recruiting class. While he may be the least experienced of the three, Lonergan has received glowing reviews from the coaching staff for his poise and potential. However, it’s clear that Lonergan is more of a long-term prospect, and his development will be something to monitor as he gets acclimated to the college game.

All three quarterbacks possess unique strengths and weaknesses, which makes the battle for the starting job all the more intriguing. However, despite their different skill sets, DeBoer’s comment about the decision not being made in the spring raises questions about the evaluation process.

Why DeBoer’s Statement Matters

Kalen DeBoer’s decision to clarify that the quarterback battle won’t be decided during A-Day or spring practices is highly significant. As one of the most respected offensive minds in college football, DeBoer has a keen understanding of what it takes to succeed at the quarterback position. His statement highlights several key factors about the quarterback competition and the philosophy behind Alabama’s approach.

1. Evaluating Over Time: Quarterback decisions, especially at a program as high-profile as Alabama, are not made lightly. DeBoer recognizes that one spring game or a handful of practices is insufficient to make such a critical call. Instead, he’s stressing the importance of evaluating the quarterbacks over a longer period, considering not only their performances on the field but also their development, leadership qualities, and how they handle the mental and emotional aspects of the game.
2. The Need for Game Experience: While A-Day is a valuable opportunity to gauge the quarterbacks in a scrimmage setting, it does not fully replicate the intensity and pressure of an actual game situation. DeBoer understands that the quarterbacks need to be tested under game-like conditions before a final decision can be made. Spring practices are helpful, but they are no substitute for the high-stakes atmosphere of SEC football, where every play matters.
3. Building the Offense: A significant part of DeBoer’s offensive philosophy is ensuring that the quarterback fits well within the overall system. DeBoer is known for his innovative play calling and ability to build an offense around the strengths of his players. By taking more time to evaluate the quarterbacks, he can make a more informed decision about which player is best suited to execute the offense effectively. This also allows him to develop a strategy that maximizes the strengths of the chosen quarterback.
4. Managing Expectations: By making this statement, DeBoer is tempering the expectations of fans and the media, which is a prudent move. The quarterback competition is a highly scrutinized battle, and fans often expect a clear answer sooner rather than later. However, DeBoer’s comment shifts the focus away from the pressure of immediate decisions and emphasizes a thoughtful, methodical approach to the selection process. This helps avoid premature judgments based on incomplete information.

The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s Offensive Evolution

While the quarterback battle is undoubtedly one of the most important storylines heading into the 2025 season, it’s important to note that the decision is not being made in a vacuum. Alabama’s offensive philosophy is undergoing a transformation under DeBoer, who was hired as offensive coordinator to revitalize a unit that had shown signs of stagnation in recent years. DeBoer is known for his up-tempo, pass-first approach, which contrasts with Alabama’s more traditional, run-heavy offensive systems of the past.

This shift in offensive philosophy has profound implications for the quarterback competition. Alabama has traditionally been a ground-and-pound team, relying on a dominant running game to set up the pass. However, with DeBoer’s influence, the Tide offense is expected to open up more, placing a premium on the quarterback’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute in a high-pressure passing game.

The quarterback who is ultimately selected will need to excel in this new offensive system, which is why DeBoer is taking his time to evaluate which player will best fit his vision for the offense. It’s not just about physical talent—though that is undoubtedly important—but also about mental acuity, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-intensity system.

What to Expect Moving Forward

With DeBoer’s comments in mind, Alabama fans can expect the quarterback battle to continue well beyond A-Day. The spring game will offer valuable insights into how each quarterback handles pressure and executes plays, but it’s unlikely to be the deciding factor in who starts the 2025 season under center. Instead, the coaching staff will likely make their decision after continued evaluation throughout the summer and fall camp.

As the battle progresses, there are several factors to watch for:

1. Consistency: The quarterbacks will need to show consistent improvement throughout the spring and into fall camp. A single strong performance in A-Day won’t guarantee the starting job; it’s about sustained excellence over time.
2. Adaptability to the System: DeBoer’s offense demands quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, read defenses on the fly, and execute under pressure. The ability to fit within this system will be critical for each candidate.
3. Leadership: Beyond physical skills, the quarterback must exhibit leadership qualities, particularly in a program as storied as Alabama. The quarterback is often the face of the team, and they need to command respect in the huddle and on the field.
4. In-game Performance: As DeBoer mentioned, real games offer a different level of intensity compared to spring practices or scrimmages. The quarterbacks’ ability to perform when it counts will ultimately be the deciding factor.