“The chemistry is all there,” says Parker Brailsford, a center for Alabama, in reference to the quarterback battle.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Alabama Crimson Tide finds itself at a pivotal moment: the quarterback battle is in full swing. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, a new addition to the Alabama coaching staff, has made it clear that the competition will be intense, with several candidates vying for the starting role. In the midst of this, Alabama’s center, Parker Brailsford, recently offered some optimism about the quarterback situation, stating, “The chemistry is all there.”

This statement carries weight, considering the vital role that chemistry plays in the success of a football team, particularly between the quarterback and the offensive line. As the anchor of the offensive line, Brailsford’s endorsement of the quarterbacks’ cohesion can be seen as a positive sign for the program, signaling that the team’s offensive unit is already beginning to gel. But what does this chemistry look like, and why does it matter so much as Alabama heads into a new season?

Understanding the Importance of Chemistry Between the Quarterback and Offensive Line

In any football team, the relationship between the quarterback and the offensive line is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most critical elements for success. The quarterback needs time to make decisions, scan the field, and deliver the ball accurately. The offensive line, on the other hand, needs to know how the quarterback operates: when they might hold onto the ball longer, when they’ll release it quickly, or when they might step up in the pocket.

If the quarterback and offensive line aren’t on the same page, it can lead to broken plays, miscommunications, and costly sacks. Conversely, good chemistry can make an offense click like a well-oiled machine. For Brailsford to say the chemistry is “all there” suggests that the quarterbacks, whether they be Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, or a freshman like Dylan Lonergan or Julian Sayin, are meshing well with the line. It’s a promising sign for Alabama as they look to build upon their offensive system under DeBoer.

The Quarterback Battle: Who’s Competing for the Starting Job?

Heading into the 2025 season, Alabama’s quarterback battle is wide open. Several strong candidates are in the running for the starting position, and Brailsford’s comments suggest that the team is approaching the battle with a sense of unity and competition. Let’s take a closer look at the key players vying for the role:

Jalen Milroe – The Dual-Threat Leader

Milroe, a redshirt junior, has the most experience of the quarterbacks competing for the starting spot. Known for his dual-threat abilities, Milroe is capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. However, his time on the field has been marked by ups and downs, especially when it comes to consistency in the passing game. Despite his struggles in previous seasons, Milroe’s athleticism has always been a key asset for the team, and DeBoer’s offensive system could be the perfect fit for his skill set. If Milroe can refine his passing mechanics and develop more consistency, he could be a force to reckon with.

Ty Simpson – The Arm Talent

Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has garnered significant attention due to his arm strength and ability to make throws down the field. However, he too has struggled with consistency, especially when faced with pressure. Simpson has shown flashes of greatness, but to secure the starting job, he will need to demonstrate his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid turnovers. If Simpson can master these aspects of his game, his raw talent could make him a formidable force in DeBoer’s offense.

Dylan Lonergan and Julian Sayin – The Freshman Wildcards

Both Lonergan and Sayin enter the competition as highly-touted recruits, with Sayin in particular being regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Lonergan, who is known for his strong football IQ and poise under pressure, could also push for playing time. While both players are relatively inexperienced, they bring a level of excitement and intrigue to the quarterback room. If either player can rapidly adapt to DeBoer’s system, they may quickly make a name for themselves in the race.

Brailsford’s Insights: Why Chemistry Matters

For Brailsford, a center who is tasked with providing a steady and consistent snap to his quarterback, the chemistry he speaks of likely goes beyond simply understanding the playbook. It’s about developing a bond with the quarterback, knowing each other’s tendencies, and being able to react in sync when the pressure mounts.

“The chemistry is all there,” Brailsford said, indicating that the quarterbacks have put in the necessary work to build a sense of trust and familiarity. As a center, Brailsford is in the trenches every snap, working closely with the quarterback. His positive remarks suggest that regardless of which quarterback earns the starting job, the relationship between the offensive line and the quarterback is already strong, and the unit is working together as one cohesive unit.

Communication is Key

One of the key components of this chemistry is effective communication. Brailsford, as the center, has the responsibility of calling out protections, identifying blitzes, and ensuring the offensive line is in sync with the quarterback. A well-developed chemistry means that the quarterback understands Brailsford’s calls and can adjust quickly, while Brailsford is able to read the quarterback’s signals and know when to protect and when to give the quarterback more time to make a play. If they are in sync, it leads to smoother execution on game day.

Building the Offensive System with DeBoer’s Influence

The quarterback battle will also be shaped by Kalen DeBoer’s offensive philosophy. DeBoer is known for his high-powered offenses that focus on balance, explosiveness, and a quick-strike mentality. His success at Washington, where he helped Michael Penix Jr. thrive as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, proves that he can build an offense that maximizes the quarterback’s strengths.

DeBoer’s system is predicated on making quick, decisive throws and relying on the quarterback’s ability to read defenses and make accurate throws to all areas of the field. This system requires quarterbacks to make fast decisions under pressure, and for the offensive line to provide a pocket where the quarterback can comfortably make those decisions. With Brailsford’s leadership on the offensive line, Alabama’s offensive line will play a key role in providing the stability needed for the quarterbacks to succeed.

Brailsford’s comment about chemistry also hints at the work already being done in practice. It’s clear that the quarterbacks have spent time working with the offensive line to develop this chemistry, as Alabama prepares for the grueling SEC schedule ahead. Whether it’s through practice reps, film study, or simply developing a mutual understanding of each other’s habits, the players are forging a bond that will pay off during the season.

What This Means for Alabama’s 2025 Season

As the 2025 season approaches, Alabama’s quarterback competition will be one of the most closely watched storylines in college football. Brailsford’s comments, however, provide a sense of optimism that the team is well-prepared for the challenge ahead. The offensive line and quarterbacks have already established a strong foundation of trust and communication, which is crucial in any successful offensive unit.

For Alabama to return to the national championship conversation, they will need strong quarterback play—someone who can lead the offense, make big-time throws, and keep the chains moving. But beyond individual talent, the key to success will be the cohesiveness of the entire offensive unit, from the quarterbacks to the offensive line to the skill positions. If the chemistry between the quarterbacks and the offensive line is as strong as Brailsford claims, Alabama may just have what it takes to remain one of college football’s elite teams.