Greg McElroy confirms a suspicion that has been surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide’s quarterback situation all spring.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has always been a benchmark for excellence in college football. With head coach Nick Saban at the helm, the team has been able to maintain a high level of success year after year, capturing numerous championships and consistently fielding one of the most talented rosters in the country. However, even the most successful programs face challenges that test their mettle, and for Alabama, that challenge is a familiar one: the quarterback position.

In 2024, the Crimson Tide entered the spring with questions surrounding their quarterback situation. Alabama’s ability to contend for another national title was believed to hinge on the development of a new signal-caller, someone who could step in and deliver consistent, high-level play. The battle for the starting quarterback position was one of the most discussed topics in Tuscaloosa throughout the offseason, as three talented quarterbacks vied for the top spot: Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and the recently transferred Tyler Buchner.

This spring, the Alabama quarterback situation was closely watched by both fans and analysts alike. Every practice, scrimmage, and interview offered clues as to who might win the coveted starting role. Among those offering insight into the battle was former Alabama quarterback and current commentator Greg McElroy. Known for his sharp football mind and candid takes, McElroy’s opinions on Alabama’s quarterback situation carried weight, especially when he confirmed a suspicion that had been circulating throughout the spring.

The Quarterback Battle: A Recap of the Key Players

Before diving into McElroy’s comments, it’s important to understand the context of the Alabama quarterback situation heading into spring practice.

• Jalen Milroe: Milroe, a dynamic athlete with tremendous physical tools, entered the spring as a favorite for the starting job. Milroe started in place of Bryce Young during parts of the 2022 season and showed flashes of his immense potential. He has great mobility and a strong arm, making him a dual-threat quarterback. However, his inexperience and occasional inconsistency as a passer led to questions about his ability to lead the offense over the course of an entire season.
• Ty Simpson: Simpson, a highly touted 2023 recruit, was considered by many to be a more traditional pocket passer compared to Milroe. He impressed in limited action during his freshman season, but with limited game experience, there were still concerns about how he would handle the pressure of a starting role in the SEC. Simpson is a polished passer with good mechanics and the ability to make accurate throws, but like Milroe, he needed more reps to prove himself at the highest level.
• Tyler Buchner: The transfer from Notre Dame brought a different dynamic to the competition. Buchner, who started for the Fighting Irish in 2022 before suffering an injury, entered the spring as a wildcard. His experience playing at a high level in college football gave him an edge over the younger quarterbacks. However, questions remained about how he would fit into Alabama’s system and whether he could elevate his play to the level expected of an Alabama quarterback.

With these three quarterbacks all possessing unique skill sets, the competition for the starting job was expected to be fierce. While Milroe’s athleticism and upside were clear, Simpson’s polished game and strong fundamentals gave him a legitimate shot at the job. Meanwhile, Buchner’s experience and familiarity with high-pressure games were seen as valuable assets, but it was unclear whether he could adapt to Alabama’s fast-paced, high-powered offense.

Greg McElroy’s Role and Perspective

Greg McElroy, a former quarterback for Alabama and a national champion in 2009, has always been a voice of authority when it comes to the Crimson Tide’s football program. McElroy has a deep understanding of what it takes to play the quarterback position at the highest level, both from his time on the field and from his work as a commentator and analyst for ESPN. Given his expertise, McElroy’s opinions on Alabama’s quarterback situation are highly respected.

Throughout the spring, McElroy had been offering insights into the competition, often pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each of the quarterbacks involved. However, it wasn’t until an appearance on his regular show that McElroy confirmed a suspicion that had been building among fans and analysts alike. He offered his perspective on the situation, making it clear that the coaching staff had a clear preference but also recognizing the uncertainty that still loomed.

McElroy’s Confirmation: The Quarterback Struggle and the Underlying Truth

In an interview that caught the attention of many, McElroy confirmed the growing suspicion that, despite the immense potential of Jalen Milroe, the Alabama coaching staff still had reservations about handing him the starting job outright. McElroy acknowledged that Milroe’s physical abilities were undeniable, but his inconsistency as a passer, particularly in critical situations, was a concern for the coaching staff.

“Milroe is a freak athlete,” McElroy said, “but we’ve seen that, at times, he struggles with touch and consistency on his throws. Alabama needs a quarterback who can execute the offense with precision, not just rely on athleticism. The coaches are trying to find someone who can take control of the offense and be a leader, and I think that’s what they’re still trying to figure out.”

McElroy’s comments confirmed what many had suspected throughout the spring—Milroe’s raw talent was a double-edged sword. While his speed and arm strength could make him a game-changer, there were doubts about whether he could consistently make the necessary throws in the high-pressure moments that come with playing quarterback at Alabama.

This statement from McElroy set the stage for further discussion about the other quarterbacks in the room. Specifically, he pointed to Ty Simpson as the most likely candidate to step into the starting role. “Simpson has the tools,” McElroy noted. “He’s more polished than Milroe at this point, and he has a better command of the offense. While he doesn’t have Milroe’s athleticism, he brings a steadiness to the position that Alabama might need.”

McElroy acknowledged that Simpson’s lack of experience at the college level was a potential drawback, but he still believed Simpson had the ability to run the offense effectively. McElroy noted that Simpson’s fundamentals were strong, and his ability to make quick, accurate throws could be an asset to Alabama’s offensive system. He also emphasized Simpson’s ability to read defenses and make decisions quickly, which was an area where Milroe had struggled in the past.

While McElroy confirmed that the coaching staff was still evaluating both Milroe and Simpson, he also spoke about the possibility of Tyler Buchner stepping into the starting role. However, McElroy seemed less optimistic about Buchner’s chances of winning the job, citing his inconsistent play at Notre Dame and the uncertainty surrounding his fit in Alabama’s system.

“Buchner has experience, but he’s also coming off an injury, and we haven’t seen a lot of him in the Alabama offense,” McElroy explained. “I think he’ll have a chance to compete, but I’m not sure if he’ll be able to unseat Milroe or Simpson. The coaches will give him a fair shot, but there’s no guarantee.”

The Ongoing Competition and Its Implications

The quarterback battle at Alabama remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring and summer. McElroy’s comments confirmed the idea that the coaching staff is still undecided about who will lead the team in the 2024 season, but it also shed light on the underlying struggles that have defined the quarterback competition.

For Alabama, finding the right quarterback is crucial to their success in 2024. With a loaded roster, including a strong defense and explosive skill players, the Crimson Tide have the potential to compete for a national championship. However, the success of their offense, particularly the quarterback play, will ultimately determine how far the team can go. Alabama has historically been able to thrive with dominant quarterbacks—whether it was Greg McElroy himself, AJ McCarron, or Tua Tagovailoa—but the current crop of quarterbacks brings a mix of promise and uncertainty.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect

As Alabama’s spring practices move forward, the quarterback competition will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point. Jalen Milroe’s raw talent makes him a tantalizing prospect, but his inconsistency and struggles with precision throwing are still areas of concern. Ty Simpson, meanwhile, seems to be the most polished passer, but his lack of game experience raises questions about his readiness to handle the pressure of being the starting quarterback for a national championship contender.

Tyler Buchner’s experience could be a wildcard, but McElroy’s comments suggest that he has a long way to go to earn the starting role. Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to which quarterback can show the most consistency and leadership during the summer and into fall camp. The competition will be intense, but the outcome will likely determine Alabama’s chances at contending for another national title.