Kalen DeBoer Names Front-Runner in Alabama Quarterback Competition as Crimson Tide’s Offense Takes Shape Ahead of 2025 Season
When Kalen DeBoer took the reins at Alabama, one of the most pressing questions he faced was who would emerge as the Crimson Tide’s next starting quarterback. In the aftermath of Nick Saban’s retirement, the expectations surrounding the position only intensified. With a fanbase accustomed to excellence and a depth chart loaded with high-caliber talent, DeBoer inherited both an opportunity and a challenge. Now, after weeks of speculation, summer workouts, and internal evaluation, DeBoer has finally revealed who currently leads in Alabama’s highly scrutinized quarterback battle—and the answer is turning heads.
Speaking to reporters following the team’s most recent summer scrimmage, DeBoer named redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe as the current leader in the race, citing his leadership, improved accuracy, and command of the new offensive system. While DeBoer stopped short of officially declaring Milroe the starter for Week 1, he emphasized that the quarterback has taken the majority of first-team reps and has separated himself—at least for now—from the competition.
It’s a development that has ignited discussion across the college football landscape. Milroe, who started several games for Alabama in 2023, entered the offseason with valuable experience but also lingering questions about his consistency as a passer. Known for his elite athleticism, cannon arm, and ability to extend plays with his legs, Milroe had both dazzling highlights and frustrating lapses during his early appearances. Under DeBoer, however, it appears Milroe has begun to evolve into a more complete quarterback.
“Jalen has really taken the initiative to grow,” DeBoer said. “He’s made great decisions during practice, he’s owning the playbook, and you can see the guys rally around him. He’s leading vocally and by example. That doesn’t mean the competition is over, but he’s in the driver’s seat right now.”
Milroe’s development under DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan has been one of the most intriguing stories of the offseason. The coaching staff has emphasized quick decision-making, timing routes, and vertical passing concepts—tenets of DeBoer’s offensive philosophy that Milroe has steadily adapted to. Coaches have noted his improved footwork and ability to make pre-snap reads, areas that previously hampered his efficiency.
Still, the quarterback room at Alabama remains among the most talented in the country. True freshman phenom Julian Sayin—one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2024 class—has impressed with his poise and natural throwing ability. While still adjusting to the speed and complexity of college defenses, Sayin has earned praise from coaches and teammates alike for his maturity and football IQ.
Then there’s Ty Simpson, the redshirt sophomore and former five-star recruit who has continued to battle in the background. Simpson possesses elite arm talent and athleticism, and sources close to the program say he has made a strong push during the last few practices. However, inconsistency and occasional decision-making lapses have kept him a step behind Milroe in terms of overall readiness.
Despite the talent in the room, DeBoer has made it clear that experience matters—and that’s where Milroe currently has the edge. “You can’t teach game reps,” DeBoer noted. “Jalen’s been in the fire. He’s played in front of 100,000 people, he’s taken hits, he’s made mistakes, and he’s grown from them. That matters in our evaluation.”
Indeed, Milroe’s 2023 season was a rollercoaster, but it also offered glimpses of his immense potential. In games against Texas A&M, Arkansas, and LSU, he showcased an ability to dominate on the ground while delivering key throws downfield. However, struggles with turnovers and short-range accuracy left doubts about whether he could lead a national championship-caliber offense. Now, under new tutelage, the pieces appear to be falling into place.
Those who’ve watched spring practices and summer sessions say Milroe looks noticeably more confident. He’s thrown with better anticipation, avoided unnecessary scrambles, and built strong chemistry with Alabama’s returning receiver corps. Sophomore wideout Kobe Prentice called Milroe “a completely different quarterback” from last season. “You can tell he’s locked in. He knows where to go with the ball, and he’s more vocal in the huddle. That’s huge for us.”
Still, the coaching staff has emphasized that the competition remains open. Sayin and Simpson continue to get reps with the second team, and both could see action depending on how the season unfolds. DeBoer has long advocated for healthy quarterback competitions as a way to bring out the best in players, and he reiterated that message during his media availability.
“This is about who gives us the best chance to win,” DeBoer said. “Whether that’s Jalen, Julian, Ty, or someone else—it’s about consistency, leadership, and execution. We’re not just looking for highlights. We want someone who can sustain drives, manage the game, and elevate the players around him.”
The implications of this quarterback decision are massive. With Alabama reloading at multiple key positions and navigating a new coaching identity post-Saban, the quarterback will be tasked not only with executing plays but with setting the tone for the entire program. A stable, efficient presence under center could be the difference between a playoff run and an underwhelming season.
Beyond the on-field consequences, the quarterback choice also impacts recruiting, team morale, and the national perception of DeBoer’s regime. Milroe’s emergence as a leader suggests a willingness by the new coaching staff to adapt the system to fit his strengths, rather than forcing players into rigid schemes. That flexibility has already won DeBoer praise among insiders who feared a bumpy transition following Saban’s departure.
Nevertheless, questions remain. Can Milroe maintain consistency in the face of elite defenses? Will he avoid the costly turnovers that plagued parts of last season? And can he continue progressing as a passer when the pressure ratchets up in SEC play? These are questions that only game action can answer, and Alabama’s early-season schedule—including a high-profile matchup against Texas—will provide an early litmus test.
If Milroe stumbles, the Crimson Tide have options. Sayin, while young, is widely viewed as a future star. His arm talent, mechanics, and processing speed have drawn comparisons to past Alabama greats, and it’s possible he could take over at some point this season. Simpson, too, remains a viable option, particularly if he can string together strong practices and capitalize on any opportunities he receives.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Milroe. After a turbulent path that included benchings, criticism, and questions about his future, he now finds himself at the center of Alabama’s offensive hopes. And under a head coach who values adaptability and development, Milroe is being given every chance to seize his moment.
His story is emblematic of the broader transition Alabama is undergoing. The days of Saban’s defensive dominance and methodical offense are giving way to a new era—one built around dynamic quarterback play, aggressive play-calling, and an emphasis on speed and execution. Milroe, with his dual-threat capabilities and growing command of the game, could be the bridge between the two identities.
As fall camp approaches, the quarterback battle will continue to generate headlines. But if DeBoer’s recent comments are any indication, the tide may be turning decisively in Milroe’s favor. What he does with that opportunity—and whether he can deliver when the lights are brightest—will determine not only his future, but the trajectory of Alabama football under its new leadership.
Until then, fans will watch closely, analyzing every throw, every read, and every drive as the Crimson Tide prepares for a season that could define a new chapter in its storied history. For now, at least, it’s Jalen Milroe’s job to lose—and a chance to lead Alabama into its next era.
