Inside Alabama’s 2025 QB battle: Where Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, Keelon Russell stand entering spring game.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide approaches its annual spring game, one of the most pivotal and closely scrutinized storylines of the 2025 offseason is the ongoing quarterback battle. After the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL, the starting quarterback job is up for grabs. Alabama fans, analysts, and coaches are all keen to see who will step up and fill the void left by Milroe, a player who brought dynamic playmaking ability to the offense.

The three main contenders for the job are Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. Each brings a unique set of skills to the table, and the competition has been one of the most talked-about aspects of Alabama’s spring practices. Let’s break down where each of these quarterbacks stands entering the A-Day spring game, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how their play styles might fit into Alabama’s offensive system.

Ty Simpson: The Experienced Contender

Background:
Ty Simpson, a redshirt junior, is the most experienced quarterback in Alabama’s 2025 quarterback room. A former five-star recruit, Simpson arrived at Alabama with high expectations and was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country in 2023. Since then, he has had limited playing time but has gained valuable experience as a backup and in mop-up duty. His physical attributes include a strong arm and a versatile skill set that includes the ability to make plays with his legs, though he’s known more for his passing ability than his rushing.

Strengths:
Simpson’s biggest strength is his maturity and experience, which sets him apart from freshman Keelon Russell and even Austin Mack, who transferred in from Washington. He’s already been in the Alabama program for two years and has been involved in numerous practices and in-game situations, giving him a better understanding of the team’s offensive system.

Ty Simpson also has excellent arm strength, allowing him to make deep throws to all areas of the field. His mechanics are solid, and he can throw with precision, particularly on intermediate routes. He has shown improvement in his timing with receivers, a key aspect of Alabama’s pro-style offense.

Weaknesses:
While Simpson has experience, he has also been criticized for inconsistency. His performance in limited game situations has shown that he sometimes struggles with decision-making under pressure. His ability to read defenses and adjust to complex schemes has been questioned, as has his ability to execute quickly in high-stakes moments.

Another area where Simpson needs improvement is his ability to handle pressure in the pocket. He can sometimes hesitate when things get chaotic, which leads to misthrows or ill-timed decisions. This is particularly important in Grubb’s offense, which requires quick decision-making and accuracy under duress.

Outlook Entering the Spring Game:
Simpson will likely enter the spring game with a slight edge over the competition due to his experience and time spent in the system. His familiarity with Alabama’s offense, combined with his physical gifts, puts him in a good position to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but his ability to perform under pressure and show consistency will be the deciding factor. Simpson has the most to lose if he fails to show improvement during spring practice and the spring game.

Austin Mack: The Familiar Transfer

Background:
Austin Mack is a redshirt sophomore who transferred to Alabama from the University of Washington. Mack is a bit of a wildcard in the race for the starting quarterback position, as he comes to Alabama already having experience playing under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb during his time in Washington. While Mack doesn’t have the high-profile recruiting pedigree that Simpson or Russell boasts, his familiarity with Grubb’s system gives him a unique advantage. Mack’s decision to transfer to Alabama was in large part due to his relationship with Grubb and the opportunity to play in a system he’s already comfortable with.

Strengths:
Mack’s primary strength is his understanding of Grubb’s offensive system. As a transfer, he’s more accustomed to the nuances of the playbook, and this has allowed him to assimilate quickly into Alabama’s offense. Grubb has openly praised Mack’s command of the offense, noting that he’s a natural fit for the system. Mack is a big, strong-armed quarterback who can push the ball down the field. His accuracy on deeper throws is one of his strongest traits, and he’s shown the ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision.

Weaknesses:
Despite his familiarity with Grubb’s system, Mack’s biggest drawback is his limited game experience. While he did see action at Washington, Mack has not had extensive playing time in big-time SEC games. The transition from Washington to Alabama, where the pressure and expectations are much higher, will be a significant challenge for Mack. His lack of game reps at the Power Five level could affect his performance in high-stress situations.

Additionally, Mack needs to continue developing his decision-making and processing speed. Though he understands Grubb’s offense better than most, Mack must improve his ability to read defenses quickly and make swift decisions in real-time. College defenses, especially in the SEC, can change quickly, and quarterbacks who struggle to read them will find it difficult to succeed.

Outlook Entering the Spring Game:
Mack enters the competition as an experienced player who is already familiar with Grubb’s offensive principles. His understanding of the system and his potential to develop into a consistent playmaker will be the key factors in his bid for the starting quarterback role. If he can demonstrate his ability to manage the offense with precision, Mack has a solid chance of earning the starting nod.

Keelon Russell: The Freshman Phenom

Background:
Keelon Russell, a true freshman, is arguably the most intriguing prospect in Alabama’s quarterback room. Russell comes to Alabama as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the country. He possesses elite physical traits, including great size (6’3”, 210 pounds) and an arm that can make every throw. Russell is a highly touted prospect known for his athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability, and he could bring a dynamic element to Alabama’s offense.

Strengths:
Russell’s primary strength is his physical talent. His arm strength is exceptional, and he’s able to make throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of. Whether it’s a deep ball down the sideline or a laser between defenders, Russell has the tools to throw with velocity and accuracy. His athleticism also allows him to make plays outside of the pocket, making him a threat with both his arm and his legs.

Beyond his physical gifts, Russell has been praised for his football IQ and maturity, especially for a freshman. He has demonstrated poise in practices, and his ability to handle the speed of college football has impressed Alabama’s coaching staff. Additionally, Russell’s leadership ability is already showing in his interactions with teammates, something that bodes well for his future.

Weaknesses:
As a freshman, Russell faces a steep learning curve. He has yet to experience live SEC competition, and while his physical traits are undeniable, it will be important to see how he adapts to the pace and complexity of the college game. Decision-making and consistency will be key areas to watch for Russell. He may struggle at times with reading defenses and adjusting to the speed of play at Alabama. It’s common for freshmen to take time to adjust to the collegiate level, especially at quarterback, where mistakes can be costly.

Outlook Entering the Spring Game:
Russell is a wildcard entering the spring game. His talent and potential are undeniable, but he has the least experience of the three contenders. It’s unlikely that he will start right away, but if he can impress coaches with his ability to process information and make decisions quickly, he could earn an opportunity for early playing time or even challenge for the starting role in the long run.

The Spring Game: A Crucial Moment in the Battle

As the Alabama quarterback battle moves into the spring game, each of the three quarterbacks will be under the microscope. The A-Day game provides a live, game-like environment where they can showcase their skills in front of a large crowd, and it’s a chance for Alabama’s coaching staff to evaluate how each quarterback handles the pressure of a real game scenario.

For Ty Simpson, the spring game will be a critical moment to prove that he’s ready to take the reins as the starting quarterback. He’ll need to show that he’s improved his decision-making and consistency from last season, and that he can execute Grubb’s offense at a high level.

For Austin Mack, the spring game will be an opportunity to demonstrate that his familiarity with Grubb’s system can translate into on-field success. If Mack can manage the offense with confidence and precision, he may move ahead in the competition.

For Keelon Russell, the spring game is his chance to prove that his potential isn’t just hype. If he can show that he’s capable of managing the game at the college level and making quick decisions, he could set himself up as a future star in the program.

The quarterback competition at Alabama for the 2025 season is one of the most exciting storylines in college football. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell each have distinct strengths, but they also face unique challenges. As the spring game approaches, the battle for the starting quarterback position will become clearer, but it will likely remain a fluid situation as Alabama’s coaching staff continues to evaluate the options. Regardless of who emerges as the starter, one thing is clear: the future of Alabama football is bright, and the quarterback position is in good hands.