John Gazzaniga, 6’7″ QB, joins Alabama as a preferred walk-on. Linked to coach Nick Sheridan, he may switch to tight end. No current changes expected in Bama’s QB depth chart.

The Alabama Crimson Tide have added another intriguing name to their 2025 roster. Over the weekend, John Gazzaniga, a towering 6-foot-7 quarterback from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California, announced that he will be joining the program as a preferred walk-on. While this move may not make national recruiting headlines in the same way five-star commitments often do, Gazzaniga’s addition brings both immediate value and long-term intrigue to Alabama’s quarterback room.

Background: Who Is John Gazzaniga?

John Gazzaniga is a three-star quarterback prospect from the 2025 recruiting class. He played his senior season at Santa Margarita Catholic under the tutelage of Carson Palmer, a former NFL MVP and one of the most respected quarterbacks in recent memory. Palmer’s mentorship undoubtedly played a role in sharpening Gazzaniga’s mental and technical approach to the game, despite the quarterback not landing a scholarship out of high school.

While Gazzaniga’s high school numbers were solid, they didn’t pop off the page in a way that drew widespread Power Five scholarship offers. What does stand out, however, is his physical profile and athletic potential. Standing at 6’7″ with a sturdy frame, Gazzaniga is difficult to ignore on the field. His throwing mechanics are clean, and he has enough mobility to extend plays, though he’s not known as a dual-threat quarterback.

The Alabama Connection

What made Alabama the right fit for Gazzaniga?

Relationship-building played a huge role. Gazzaniga had already developed a connection with Alabama quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, who is known for his player-first approach and deep understanding of quarterback development. Sources close to the program say that Gazzaniga’s trust in Sheridan and his willingness to compete for a role in one of college football’s most competitive programs were key factors in the decision.

Choosing to walk on at Alabama instead of accepting scholarship offers from smaller programs also reflects a level of self-confidence and long-term vision. Gazzaniga is betting on himself in the best possible way—surrounding himself with elite talent, top-tier coaching, and the opportunity to grow in the nation’s most demanding football environment.

Role as a Walk-On: The Scout Team and Beyond

As a preferred walk-on, Gazzaniga won’t start out with the glitz and glamour afforded to scholarship quarterbacks. His immediate role is expected to be as part of the scout team, where he’ll run opposing offenses during practice to help Alabama’s defense prepare each week.

However, being on the scout team at Alabama is no small assignment. The Crimson Tide pride themselves on preparing their starters through intense, game-like practices. Every rep matters. For Gazzaniga, this will be an opportunity to prove his value in a lower-pressure but highly visible role.

In fact, Alabama has a history of developing walk-on players into contributors. The coaching staff watches scout team practices closely, and standout performances don’t go unnoticed. If Gazzaniga continues to progress physically and mentally, there’s a chance he could earn more meaningful reps down the line.

The Quarterback Room: No Immediate Shakeups

Gazzaniga joins a crowded and competitive quarterback room, one that already includes Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell—all scholarship athletes with high expectations.

• Ty Simpson is currently considered the likely starter heading into the 2025 season, depending on summer and fall competition.
• Austin Mack, a younger talent with significant upside, continues to develop and is viewed as a future contender for the job.
• Keelon Russell, a recent commit, brings electric athleticism and has been labeled as a potential game-changer once he adjusts to the collegiate game.

Because of this depth, Gazzaniga is not expected to compete for playing time right away. Instead, his role is more about developmental potential and providing the team with a reliable, intelligent presence behind the scenes.

Tight End Potential: A Shift on the Horizon?

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Gazzaniga’s recruitment is a suggestion from sources within the program that he could eventually transition to tight end. At 6’7″, he certainly has the size and physical attributes to make the move.

The idea is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. College football is filled with stories of quarterbacks who eventually shifted to other positions, often finding success due to their high football IQ and athleticism. Former quarterbacks tend to understand offensive schemes better than most, and their ability to read defenses can translate well to the tight end position—particularly in route running and reading coverages.

While this position change is not set in stone, it’s something the Alabama coaching staff will likely explore during spring practices and early workouts. If Gazzaniga takes to the role, he could provide valuable versatility on the depth chart.

Why This Addition Matters for Alabama

At first glance, adding a walk-on quarterback might seem like a minor move for a program like Alabama. But Gazzaniga’s commitment is notable for several reasons:

1. Depth and Insurance

Injuries and transfers are a reality in today’s college football. Having a large, intelligent, and versatile athlete like Gazzaniga on the roster provides depth and gives the coaching staff more flexibility if unforeseen circumstances arise.

2. Development Pipeline

Alabama is investing in a player with long-term potential. Whether as a quarterback or tight end, Gazzaniga’s frame and work ethic make him an ideal candidate for future development.

3. Locker Room Impact

Walk-ons often form the backbone of a strong locker room culture. They set the tone in practice, push scholarship players, and foster a competitive atmosphere that drives improvement across the board.

4. Strategic Recruiting

Securing Gazzaniga as a preferred walk-on without using a scholarship allows Alabama to maintain flexibility in managing its 85-man scholarship limit while still adding a player with upside.

What’s Next for Gazzaniga?

As he prepares to join the Crimson Tide, Gazzaniga will face a steep learning curve. Alabama’s playbook is complex, and the SEC is an entirely different level of speed and physicality compared to high school football.

His focus will likely be on:

• Learning the system and mastering scout team responsibilities
• Strength training and adding muscle to his already impressive frame
• Developing his throwing mechanics and footwork under pressure
• Exploring the potential shift to tight end, depending on coaching evaluations

There’s no question he’ll have to earn every snap, but his path is now open—and it runs through one of college football’s premier programs.

A Word from the Program

While official comments from Alabama’s coaching staff are limited due to NCAA restrictions around walk-ons, sources close to the team have expressed optimism about Gazzaniga’s fit.

“John’s a smart, tough kid with a big frame and a team-first mentality,” one source said. “He’s the kind of player who fits in well here. Whether it’s at quarterback or another position, we’re excited to have him on board.”

Final Thoughts: Betting on Potential

In a recruiting world obsessed with stars and rankings, John Gazzaniga’s story is a reminder that success often comes from places—and players—you don’t expect.

By choosing Alabama, Gazzaniga is entering an elite environment where competition is fierce, and nothing is handed out. But he brings with him rare size, a strong foundation from working with NFL-caliber mentors, and the humility to start from the bottom.

He may not be the most talked-about addition to the 2025 class, but he could become one of the most interesting.

Whether he ends up throwing touchdowns or catching them, John Gazzaniga is a name Alabama fans should keep an eye on.