Kalen DeBoer gives update on the Alabama QB competition that Crimson Tide fans didn’t know they needed
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program, historically one of the most dominant forces in college football, enters each season with high expectations. Whether it’s their quest for a national championship or their relentless pursuit of dominance in the SEC, Alabama is always a team to watch. However, the 2025 season brings with it a new challenge for the Crimson Tide that has intrigued fans and analysts alike: the quarterback competition.
While Alabama has traditionally been known for its stable of quarterbacks and an offense that churns out Heisman contenders, the 2025 season marks a different chapter. With a talented but inexperienced group of quarterbacks, head coach Nick Saban and his staff are facing the task of determining who will take the helm of this powerhouse program. That’s where Kalen DeBoer, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, comes into play. DeBoer, who has made a name for himself as an offensive mastermind, recently gave an update on the Alabama quarterback battle that caught many Crimson Tide fans by surprise—and provided a glimpse into the future of the team’s offense.
The Quarterback Competition: A Crucial Crossroads for Alabama
The quarterback position at Alabama has been a point of pride over the years. The program has produced top-tier quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen Hurts—each of whom made a significant impact both in college and in the NFL. However, with the departure of Bryce Young, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama finds itself in a position it hasn’t been in for a while: a true quarterback competition.
For the Crimson Tide, finding the right quarterback is not just about filling a role—it’s about setting the tone for the entire season. The quarterback is the face of the offense, the player responsible for executing Saban’s intricate game plan and managing the high expectations that come with being a part of one of college football’s most storied programs.
As the offseason rolled on, Alabama had several promising candidates vying for the starting quarterback role. Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and potentially a few newcomers were all in the mix. Each player brought their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, making this competition one of the most intriguing in recent years.
Kalen DeBoer’s Update: What Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
When Kalen DeBoer, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Alabama, offered his update on the quarterback competition, it was the kind of insight that fans didn’t realize they needed but certainly appreciated. DeBoer, known for his meticulous offensive strategies, provided a glimpse into the thought process behind choosing a starting quarterback—a decision that could very well determine the success or failure of the upcoming season.
His comments were measured, but they provided key details that fans and analysts had been eagerly waiting for. DeBoer emphasized the importance of balancing both physical tools and mental acuity in determining who would be the starting quarterback. In particular, he highlighted how important it was for the quarterbacks to not only execute plays well but to also demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to read defenses quickly.
One of the most striking points DeBoer made was about the “fluidity” of the competition. This wasn’t going to be a situation where the coaching staff would rush to a decision in the summer. Rather, the competition would play out through practice and potentially into the early games of the season. While many coaches may not publicly admit to letting the competition go on for an extended period, DeBoer’s honesty provided clarity into the process—and an understanding that no decision would be rushed.
DeBoer also emphasized the importance of “earning” the starting role, something that resonated with many Alabama fans who have seen multiple quarterbacks struggle to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. His words showed that the team was focused not just on finding the most physically talented player but on selecting someone who could truly lead the offense in the way that Alabama’s past great quarterbacks have done.
The Quarterbacks in the Competition: Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson
The quarterbacks in this year’s competition are talented, but they each present different strengths and weaknesses that make the decision so complex. Let’s take a closer look at the main players in the battle for the starting role.
Jalen Milroe was the most high-profile player of the competition, having had some starting experience during Bryce Young’s absence in the 2022 season. Milroe’s mobility and arm strength are perhaps his most notable attributes. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 212 pounds, he has the physical profile of a traditional dual-threat quarterback, and he showed flashes of his potential in the limited action he saw last year. However, Milroe also struggled with consistency, particularly in passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure. He has the tools to be a dynamic playmaker, but whether he can develop into a polished, consistent starter remains to be seen.
Ty Simpson, on the other hand, brings a different skill set to the table. A highly rated prospect out of high school, Simpson has a smooth throwing motion and a strong understanding of the game. He’s known for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, which is crucial for an Alabama offense that typically moves at a fast pace. However, Simpson’s experience at the college level has been limited, and his ability to handle the physicality and speed of SEC defenses is still in question.
What’s clear, however, is that both quarterbacks have their merits. Milroe may be the more athletic and physically gifted of the two, but Simpson may have the edge in terms of mental processing and quarterbacking instincts. DeBoer’s update made it clear that both players were still in the running, and neither would be discounted based on their past performances. Instead, the focus was on how each player performed in practice, especially under pressure.
The Significance of the Quarterback Decision for Alabama’s Season
The quarterback decision at Alabama is not just about filling a position—it’s about setting the stage for the team’s entire offensive identity. The Crimson Tide has become known for its powerful run game and elite defense under Saban, but the offense has also been a focal point in recent years, especially with the emergence of a more pass-heavy attack.
The choice of starting quarterback will have far-reaching implications for Alabama’s offensive philosophy. If Milroe were to win the job, the offense might lean more toward a balanced attack with an emphasis on utilizing Milroe’s legs to extend plays and create mismatches. Milroe’s ability to make plays on the move could open up opportunities for running back Jase McClellan and wide receiver Jermaine Burton, both of whom are expected to play significant roles this season.
On the other hand, if Ty Simpson were to win the job, Alabama might take a more traditional, pro-style approach, emphasizing passing and pocket awareness. Simpson’s accuracy and mental sharpness could allow offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to open up the playbook with more passing concepts. With a solid offensive line and a deep pool of wide receivers, Simpson’s ability to execute at a high level could allow Alabama to take a more pass-heavy approach.
Both quarterbacks will likely have to adapt to the strengths of the offensive line and the overall team dynamics, but the choice will provide a clear direction for how the team approaches its game plan in the SEC.
The Bigger Picture: Saban’s Legacy and the Pressure on the QB
Nick Saban’s legacy is built on the foundation of defense, discipline, and a well-rounded team approach. The quarterback position, however, has become increasingly important in college football, and Saban’s teams have adapted to the changing landscape of the sport. As the head coach of Alabama, Saban has always been able to plug in quarterbacks capable of winning national championships. But the pressure on the starting quarterback is immense, especially with the high expectations surrounding Alabama football.
Saban has always favored a “next man up” mentality, but he also understands that the quarterback is the one position that can make or break a season. The selection of the starting quarterback will not only affect the offense but will also have ripple effects on recruiting, fan expectations, and the team’s ability to compete for another national title. If the quarterback is able to step up and perform in big moments, Alabama’s championship aspirations will remain intact. However, if the decision doesn’t pan out, the program may face a setback that will require swift adjustment.
 A New Era for Alabama Football
Kalen DeBoer’s update on the Alabama quarterback competition provided fans with valuable insight into the process behind one of the most important decisions of the offseason. With Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson both vying for the role, the coaching staff has their work cut out for them as they look to select the player who can guide the Crimson Tide to success. The quarterback competition is not only a test of physical ability but of leadership, poise, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
As Alabama’s 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain: the decision at quarterback will be crucial in shaping the future of the program. Whether Milroe or Simpson gets the nod, Alabama fans can rest assured that their coaches are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the next great Crimson Tide quarterback. With the guidance of Kalen DeBoer and Nick Saban, the Alabama football program is primed to continue its legacy of excellence—no matter who takes the snap.
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