Kalen DeBoer gives update on the Alabama QB competition that Crimson Tide fans didn’t know they needed

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When Kalen DeBoer was introduced as Alabama’s new head coach in January, following the legendary Nick Saban’s retirement, many wondered how he would handle the immense pressure of sustaining excellence in Tuscaloosa. With a track record of producing high-octane offenses and elite quarterback play, expectations were sky-high. But nothing stirs the Alabama faithful quite like a quarterback competition, and on Wednesday, DeBoer delivered a surprisingly nuanced update on the battle under center—a development Crimson Tide fans didn’t know they needed but are now obsessing over.

The Context: Replacing Milroe

Jalen Milroe’s decision to enter the NFL Draft left a gaping hole in the heart of Alabama’s offense. The 2024 season saw Milroe evolve from a raw, athletic signal-caller into a dynamic leader, helping guide the Tide to an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. His departure, while expected, opened the door for a high-stakes competition.

The contenders? Redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson, redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan, and true freshman signee Keelon Russell, a late flip from SMU who turned heads during spring practices. Add in Washington transfer Austin Mack, who followed DeBoer from Seattle, and the QB room is both crowded and full of potential.

DeBoer’s Update: A New Standard of Transparency

Speaking after the team’s final spring workout session, DeBoer delivered an update that was more in-depth than many expected this early in the process.

“We’ve got four guys who can start and win games for us in the SEC,” DeBoer said. “That’s a blessing. But we’re also being honest in the room about who’s separating and why. We owe it to them—and to this program—to be real about it.”

According to DeBoer, Ty Simpson currently holds a “slight edge” heading into summer workouts, thanks to his grasp of the playbook and improved decision-making.

“Ty has taken real steps forward,” DeBoer noted. “He’s processing things faster and making throws with more confidence. That comes from experience and from understanding what we want to do schematically.”

But DeBoer was quick to add that the competition is “far from over,” citing Lonergan’s consistency and Mack’s leadership as reasons the battle remains fluid.

Lonergan Emerging Quietly

Lonergan might not be the flashiest name in the room, but DeBoer spoke glowingly of his development.

“Dylan’s got that quiet fire. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but he commands respect with how he prepares. There were moments in scrimmages where he looked like a seasoned vet.”

The Georgia native’s high football IQ and pocket composure have made him a favorite of new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. Sources close to the program say Lonergan has also become a favorite among veteran receivers, thanks to his timing and ball placement.

Keelon Russell: The Wild Card

Russell, the four-star freshman who flipped from SMU after DeBoer’s hiring, is already turning heads. The Texas native has shown off an electric arm and surprising poise for a true freshman.

“Keelon’s got that ‘it’ factor,” DeBoer said. “He’s not afraid of the stage. Now, there’s still a lot to learn—protections, reads, pre-snap stuff—but the raw tools are special.”

Russell’s spring game performance—where he completed 8-of-11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown—sparked buzz among fans and analysts alike. While it’s unlikely he starts in Week 1, DeBoer didn’t rule out the possibility.

“Don’t count him out. He’s too talented not to be in the mix.”

Austin Mack: The Familiar Face

Perhaps the most interesting wrinkle in the competition is Austin Mack. The redshirt freshman transferred from Washington in January, reuniting with DeBoer and bringing a full year of experience in the system.

“Austin’s been a stabilizing presence,” said DeBoer. “He knows the terminology, knows the reads. That helps not just him, but the entire QB room.”

Mack’s leadership has reportedly been a key part of the offseason transition, particularly as the offense installs new concepts. But DeBoer acknowledged that familiarity alone won’t guarantee him the job.

“He’s got to win it like everyone else. The past helps, but the present matters more.”

How DeBoer Is Evaluating

What separates DeBoer’s approach from the Saban era isn’t necessarily the emphasis on competition—it’s how openly he discusses what matters most in determining a starter.

“Explosiveness, efficiency, and leadership,” he said bluntly. “We want someone who can extend plays when needed but also keep us on schedule. And most importantly, someone the locker room trusts.”

While Milroe’s legs often bailed out the offense in 2024, DeBoer’s system requires precision. His quarterbacks at Washington—Michael Penix Jr. in particular—thrived on anticipation, timing, and accuracy. DeBoer made clear that Alabama’s future QB must do the same.

What the Players Are Saying

Simpson, who has patiently waited for his opportunity, sounded both confident and grounded after DeBoer’s update.

“I feel like I’m playing the best football of my life. But I’m not taking anything for granted,” he said. “Coach DeBoer’s holding us to a high standard—and that’s making all of us better.”

Lonergan echoed those sentiments.

“We’re all pushing each other. It’s competitive, but it’s supportive too. We know whoever wins the job earned it.”

Keelon Russell was more reserved but smiled when asked if he believed he could win the job as a freshman.

“I trust the coaches. I’ll be ready if my number’s called.”

What This Means for Alabama Fans

DeBoer’s willingness to be transparent, even this early in the process, signals a shift in tone from the famously secretive Saban era. Fans, who have been clamoring for insight into the team’s direction post-Saban, now have a clearer picture of where things stand.

The sense of competition is real. The urgency is real. And unlike past seasons when one name seemed inevitable from the outset, the 2025 quarterback race remains wide open—and thrilling.

The Bigger Picture: A New Identity

For all the talk of scheme and depth charts, what’s unfolding in Tuscaloosa is something bigger: the beginning of a new identity. DeBoer is not trying to replicate Saban’s dynasty playbook. He’s building something different—one that blends his West Coast offensive flair with the physical, disciplined backbone Alabama has long embodied.

The quarterback who ultimately wins the job won’t just lead an offense. He’ll become the face of that new identity.

Final Word

As summer workouts begin and fall camp looms, the most important decision of Kalen DeBoer’s short Alabama tenure inches closer. But one thing is already clear: this competition isn’t just about who throws the prettiest deep ball or has the most SEC-ready arm.

It’s about who best embodies the next era of Alabama football.

And if DeBoer’s candid update is any indication, the Crimson Tide faithful are in for a fascinating ride.