Kalen DeBoer Sends Clear Message to Alabama QBs Ahead of Summer: ‘Earn It Every Day.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide transition into a new chapter under head coach Kalen DeBoer, all eyes are on one of the most scrutinized positions in college football: quarterback. After the departure of Nick Saban and the ushering in of a new coaching era, DeBoer is making it clear that no position is guaranteed—especially the one under center. In a recent team meeting and follow-up interviews, DeBoer delivered a simple but powerful message to his quarterbacks: “Earn it every day.”

For a program that has become synonymous with national championships, All-Americans, and NFL draft picks, the expectation of excellence doesn’t take a day off. And DeBoer, who comes to Tuscaloosa after a successful stint at Washington, is embracing that pressure while instilling his own brand of leadership and accountability.

His challenge to the quarterback room ahead of summer workouts sets the tone for a competitive and transformative offseason—one that could define not only who starts in 2025, but the long-term future of Alabama football under his direction.

A New Era Begins in Tuscaloosa

Taking over for a legend is never easy, but Kalen DeBoer has approached the task with a blend of humility and quiet confidence. After guiding Washington to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023 and producing one of the nation’s top offenses, DeBoer was tapped to lead Alabama into its post-Saban era.

While the expectations remain sky-high, DeBoer has made it clear that he’s not trying to replicate the past—he’s building his own foundation. And that starts with the most critical position on the field.

“In this program, everything is earned,” DeBoer said following spring camp. “No matter what you did last year or last week, you have to prove yourself again today. That applies to everyone—especially our quarterbacks.”

The Quarterback Room: A Talented but Open Race

The Alabama quarterback room entering the summer is rich with talent, but short on guarantees. Returning starter Jalen Milroe had an impressive 2024 campaign, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and growth as a passer. His clutch performances down the stretch—including a memorable Iron Bowl win—earned him respect and national recognition.

But under DeBoer, there’s no automatic elevation. Milroe may be the favorite, but the competition is far from over.

Behind him, redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan and true freshman Julian Sayin are pushing for snaps. Sayin, a 5-star recruit and early enrollee, turned heads during spring practice with his poise and arm strength. Meanwhile, Lonergan has impressed with his understanding of the system and consistent play.

DeBoer is encouraging the competition, and sources close to the program say the quarterback reps this summer will be more evenly split than in previous years.

“This isn’t about seniority,” DeBoer said. “It’s about execution, leadership, and daily improvement. The guy who leads this team will be the one who earns it—not the one with the most headlines or history.”

Milroe’s Leadership Tested

For Jalen Milroe, the message is clear: nothing is promised. The returning starter has taken DeBoer’s challenge in stride, reportedly leading offseason workouts with urgency and purpose. According to several Alabama staffers, Milroe has embraced his role as a leader while also recognizing the need to elevate every aspect of his game.

“Jalen knows the deal,” said quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan. “He’s a competitor. He’s not just trying to keep the job—he’s trying to take his game to another level. And that’s exactly the mindset Coach DeBoer wants.”

Milroe’s strengths—athleticism, toughness, and playmaking—are not in question. What DeBoer and Sheridan are pushing for this summer is refinement: better decision-making, faster reads, and consistent accuracy in the intermediate passing game.

“He’s growing in the offense,” DeBoer said. “But there’s another level he can reach, and we’re going to push him to get there.”

Julian Sayin: The Freshman Factor

One of the most intriguing elements of this quarterback battle is the presence of Julian Sayin, the highly-touted freshman from Carlsbad, California. Sayin was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the nation and has already shown flashes of brilliance in spring ball.

What separates Sayin isn’t just his physical tools—it’s his football IQ and calm demeanor under pressure. During Alabama’s spring scrimmage, Sayin commanded the offense with confidence, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.

“He’s ahead of the curve,” Sheridan said. “Most freshmen need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game. Julian has already shown he can process and compete.”

While it’s rare for a true freshman to start at quarterback for Alabama, Sayin isn’t just in Tuscaloosa to sit on the bench. DeBoer’s message of “earning it every day” applies to him just as much as Milroe, and the coaching staff is keeping the door open for a potential shake-up.

Building a Culture of Competition

DeBoer’s mantra—“Earn it every day”—is more than a motivational soundbite. It’s the philosophical core of how he plans to build Alabama’s new identity.

From the weight room to the film room, he has emphasized accountability and daily excellence. This summer, that culture will be tested as players undergo player-led practices, strength training, and film study in preparation for fall camp.

“We want guys who embrace the grind,” DeBoer said. “The ones who don’t need a coach watching them to go hard. The ones who wake up every day knowing they have to prove something—not to the world, but to themselves and to their teammates.”

Quarterback, more than any other position, embodies that standard. DeBoer wants a leader who’s not only talented but who makes others better—who demands excellence by modeling it.

What to Watch Heading Into Fall Camp

As Alabama transitions into the summer phase of preparation, here are a few key storylines to monitor in the quarterback race:

1. Jalen Milroe’s Growth as a Passer

Milroe’s athleticism is elite—but his ability to consistently execute DeBoer’s pass-heavy system will determine whether he keeps the starting job.

2. Julian Sayin’s Development Curve

Will Sayin continue his rapid rise? His upside is undeniable, but DeBoer will weigh his readiness to handle the SEC spotlight and the complex reads required in the offense.

3. Dylan Lonergan as a Dark Horse

Often overlooked, Lonergan’s maturity and pocket presence could position him as a serious contender if others falter or struggle to adapt.

4. Chemistry With New Weapons

With several new receivers and a revamped offensive scheme, quarterbacks will need to build chemistry with their pass-catchers—particularly during summer 7-on-7 sessions.

5. Leadership in the Locker Room

DeBoer will be watching closely to see which QB naturally commands the huddle, motivates teammates, and holds others accountable. Leadership may be the deciding factor.

DeBoer’s Track Record With QBs

Part of what makes this competition so compelling is DeBoer’s track record developing quarterbacks. At Washington, he turned Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and one of the most efficient passers in the country. Before that, he elevated offenses at Fresno State and Indiana, consistently maximizing QB talent.

His offensive philosophy is built on timing, precision, and decision-making. That means the eventual starter at Alabama must be more than just a playmaker—they must be a thinker, a processor, and a technician.

“Coach DeBoer puts a lot on the quarterback,” Sheridan noted. “It’s not just about throwing touchdowns. It’s about mastering the playbook, understanding protections, and managing the game. It’s a position of trust.”

A Defining Summer for Alabama Football

With a new era underway, this summer may prove to be one of the most important offseasons in recent Alabama history. For the quarterbacks, it’s a moment of truth. Milroe, Sayin, Lonergan, and others will spend the next several weeks sharpening their skills, building chemistry with receivers, and preparing to prove they are the right leader for this next-generation Crimson Tide offense.

For Kalen DeBoer, this is more than just filling out a depth chart—it’s about setting the tone for the type of program he wants to build. One driven by daily effort, internal competition, and relentless pursuit of improvement.

As he said plainly:
“You don’t inherit greatness—you earn it every day.”

That’s the message being carried into every quarterback meeting, every film session, and every summer workout in Tuscaloosa. And by fall, the answer to who earned it may help define the next era of Alabama football.