Alabama Football will need starting quarterback clarity before the season begins

As Alabama football gears up for the 2025 season, there’s a key area of uncertainty that looms over the program: the starting quarterback position. With the departure of Bryce Young, the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Alabama finds itself in a position it’s rarely been in—looking for a new leader at quarterback. The pressure to find a stable and productive signal-caller is intense, especially in a program that has enjoyed sustained success for over a decade. Head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer know that finding clarity at quarterback is paramount for Alabama to continue its dominance in the SEC and on the national stage.

While spring practices, the summer months, and fall camp will provide ample opportunities for quarterbacks to separate themselves, the decision regarding Alabama’s starting quarterback must come before the season begins. Given the level of competition, the challenges of the SEC, and Alabama’s playoff aspirations, waiting too long to name a starting quarterback could prove detrimental. In this article, we will explore why Alabama must find clarity at the quarterback position, the candidates vying for the role, and how this critical decision will impact the team’s 2025 season.

The Importance of Stability at Quarterback

Quarterback is arguably the most important position on the field, especially for a team with the caliber of Alabama. The quarterback is not just the player responsible for executing the offense—he is the leader of the team, the player who will be called upon in the clutch, and the one who sets the tone for the rest of the squad. Alabama’s reputation as a powerhouse team has largely been built around dominant defenses and efficient, effective quarterbacks who manage the game and make critical plays when necessary.

In recent years, Alabama has been fortunate to have some of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, from Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones and, most recently, Bryce Young. Each of these quarterbacks brought their unique talents to the field and led Alabama to national prominence. Tagovailoa was known for his ability to make explosive plays and his clutch performances, Jones was a master of managing the offense with precision, and Young exhibited elite talent, including a dynamic ability to extend plays and create magic out of seemingly impossible situations.

With Young now gone, Alabama must find someone capable of continuing this tradition of excellence. The next quarterback will need to be more than just a game manager. Alabama’s offense will need someone who can execute at a high level, make the tough throws, read defenses, and, most importantly, lead the team through the brutal SEC schedule. Not having a clear starter for the season opener would lead to confusion within the program, stunted offensive development, and likely prevent the team from being able to focus on its most pressing goals: winning the SEC and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Saban knows that uncertainty at quarterback can lead to unnecessary distractions that can derail a team’s focus and progress. Alabama must identify its leader at the position well before the season begins in order to give that player the best possible chance to develop chemistry with his teammates, master the playbook, and be ready for the challenges that await.

The Quarterback Candidates for Alabama

As of now, Alabama’s quarterback competition appears wide open, with multiple candidates vying for the starting job. The race is expected to be between several players who bring different skill sets to the table, including some experienced upperclassmen and highly touted young talent. Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates for the starting job:

1. Jalen Milroe (Sophomore)

Jalen Milroe is one of the leading candidates for the starting job heading into the 2025 season. Milroe, a highly athletic and dynamic quarterback, has already had some playing time in games during his freshman year. While he showed flashes of brilliance, including a notable performance in relief of Bryce Young during the 2023 season, Milroe also had moments of inconsistency, especially in passing situations.

Milroe’s most significant strength lies in his athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he has the ability to extend plays with his legs and can be a threat in the run game. His mobility makes him a dangerous weapon when rolling out of the pocket, and his rushing ability could help stretch defenses and keep opposing defensive coordinators on their toes.

However, Milroe’s passing has been a point of concern. While his arm strength is certainly adequate, he has struggled at times with accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. As the leader of the offense, Milroe will need to become more consistent with his passing to succeed in the SEC and beyond. The key question for Milroe is whether he can develop as a passer to match his impressive athletic abilities and become the complete package Alabama needs at quarterback.

2. Ty Simpson (Freshman)

Ty Simpson is another promising option at quarterback for Alabama. A five-star recruit from the 2024 class, Simpson comes to Tuscaloosa with a reputation as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country. Known for his poise in the pocket, quick release, and strong arm, Simpson is a classic pro-style quarterback with all the tools to be successful in Saban’s system.

Simpson’s high school tape was filled with impressive throws and leadership qualities. He has a quick release, shows excellent accuracy on short to medium-range passes, and possesses the necessary arm strength to make throws all over the field. He can be effective in both the short passing game and pushing the ball downfield.

Simpson’s biggest challenge will be adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. While he has all the physical tools, his ability to make quick decisions and handle the pressure of playing in the SEC will determine how quickly he can step in and contribute. If Simpson is able to acclimate to the college game and make the leap from high school to the SEC, he could become a dynamic playmaker in Alabama’s offense.

3. Eli Holstein (Freshman)

Another quarterback in the mix is Eli Holstein, a highly-rated recruit who joined Alabama as part of the 2024 class. Like Simpson, Holstein has impressed scouts with his ability to make throws from the pocket and his overall feel for the game. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing a strong arm, Holstein is considered a pro-style quarterback, much like the previous Alabama quarterbacks who have had success in the system.

Holstein has an excellent grasp of mechanics and is calm under pressure. His ability to read defenses and go through progressions has made him a promising candidate to lead the offense. While Holstein may not have the rushing ability that Milroe possesses, his strong arm and decision-making ability will allow him to thrive in a more traditional Alabama offense.

Given that he is still a freshman, Holstein may need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football. However, his skill set is undoubtedly promising, and he could be a strong contender for the starting role once he settles in.

Why Alabama Must Name a Starter Early

With multiple quarterbacks in contention, it’s important for Alabama to settle on a starter sooner rather than later. The decision needs to come before the season begins for several reasons:

1. Offensive Continuity

Finding a starting quarterback early will allow the entire offense to develop continuity. The quarterback is the centerpiece of the offense, and the entire unit will adjust based on the starter’s strengths and weaknesses. Whether it’s developing chemistry with the wide receivers, building trust with the offensive line, or adjusting the offensive playbook to the quarterback’s skill set, having a clear starter in place allows for a more cohesive and effective offensive strategy.

2. Maximizing Preparation

A named starting quarterback will be able to receive the bulk of the reps in practice and will have more opportunities to develop chemistry with the team. In contrast, splitting practice reps among multiple quarterbacks could lead to inconsistency and a lack of cohesion. The starting quarterback needs time to learn the playbook inside and out, build rapport with his teammates, and refine his decision-making under pressure.

3. Confidence and Leadership

Having a starting quarterback will also provide confidence and leadership for the team. The quarterback is the leader on the field, and without a clear starter, it becomes more difficult for the team to follow the leadership of the quarterback. A decision to go with a clear starter shows that the coaching staff has faith in one individual to lead the offense and provides the rest of the team with a sense of direction moving forward.

4. Playoff and SEC Hopes

Finally, Alabama is expected to compete for the SEC championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2025. With such high expectations, the quarterback position cannot be a question mark heading into the season. The coaching staff and team must have full confidence in the starter, and the quarterback must be fully prepared to guide the team through the gauntlet that is the SEC schedule. Without a clear and prepared starting quarterback, Alabama’s aspirations for a national title could quickly fade.