Alabama Quarterback Battle Takes Intriguing Turn as College GameDay Highlights Surprising Factor Influencing Nick Saban’s Successor’s Big Decision
The Alabama Crimson Tide are once again at the center of the college football universe, but this time it’s not because of a national title run or a Heisman front-runner. Instead, all eyes are on Tuscaloosa for a different reason — the ongoing quarterback battle that has gripped the program since spring and intensified through the first weeks of fall camp. And according to ESPN’s College GameDay crew, a fascinating and perhaps overlooked element is now shaping how the decision is being approached behind the scenes.
The battle, featuring redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson, Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner, true freshman phenom Julian Sayin, and redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan, has been one of the most unpredictable and tightly contested quarterback races in recent memory at Alabama. With Jalen Milroe declaring for the NFL Draft after leading the Tide to the College Football Playoff in 2024, first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer faces his most important decision yet: who takes over under center in 2025.
While traditional factors like arm strength, accuracy, poise under pressure, and command of the offense are of course central to the evaluation, College GameDay analysts say there’s another variable gaining traction — one rooted in personality, leadership style, and even how a quarterback is perceived off the field.
Desmond Howard, speaking on Saturday’s GameDay segment, hinted that DeBoer’s decision could be influenced just as much by “emotional intelligence” and team chemistry as by practice stats or scrimmage performance.
“This is not just about who throws the best deep ball or who can run a read option,” Howard said. “This staff is really dialed into which guy the team responds to, which guy players want to follow. That stuff matters more than people think, especially with a new coaching regime trying to establish culture.”
Kirk Herbstreit echoed that sentiment, adding that Alabama’s coaching staff is reportedly using a unique approach to gathering feedback from position groups — including anonymous player input on who they trust, who commands the huddle, and who raises the team’s confidence when things break down.
“This staff is doing something we haven’t seen as publicly under Coach Saban,” Herbstreit noted. “They’re taking a more holistic approach. Yes, performance matters, but so does presence. So does resilience. And that’s what makes this battle so fascinating — all four guys bring something different to the table.”
Ty Simpson, the redshirt sophomore, has been in the system the longest. After playing a reserve role behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, he’s shown flashes of brilliance in practice and possesses arguably the best understanding of Alabama’s complex offensive schemes. Coaches have praised his football IQ and patience, and many believe he’d be the “safe” choice to open the season.
But there are questions about whether Simpson can deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly against elite SEC defenses. Last year’s spring game showed his talent, but also his inconsistency. Still, his rapport with veteran players and comfort level with the playbook give him a leg up in terms of trust from coaches.
Then there’s Tyler Buchner, the Notre Dame transfer who reunited with former Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees last year. Although Rees is no longer part of the Alabama staff, Buchner remains a compelling candidate due to his athleticism, game experience, and dual-threat ability. He’s the most seasoned in terms of college starts, but his performances have been up and down. After a disappointing stint in South Bend, he joined Alabama hoping for a fresh start, and his familiarity with certain offensive principles may help him.
However, according to sources close to the program, Buchner’s command of the locker room hasn’t matched that of his competitors. He’s respected, but not necessarily viewed as the emotional catalyst the team might need during a transition season. That could hurt his chances if the staff prioritizes leadership over experience.
The real wildcard is Julian Sayin, the five-star freshman from California who wowed coaches and teammates from the moment he stepped on campus. Sayin has all the tools — elite arm talent, mobility, pocket presence, and confidence beyond his years. During 7-on-7 drills and controlled scrimmages, he’s made throws that leave even veteran defenders shaking their heads.
But Sayin’s age and inexperience remain sticking points. No true freshman has started a season at quarterback for Alabama in the modern era, and the staff may be hesitant to throw him into the fire with a schedule that includes early tests against Wisconsin and Ole Miss. Still, GameDay insiders suggest that Sayin’s poise and ability to connect with teammates have made a serious impression.
“Don’t rule out Julian Sayin,” Lee Corso said bluntly. “He’s the most talented quarterback in that room. You might not see him Week One, but you’ll see him this season.”
And then there’s Dylan Lonergan — the overlooked option in many national conversations, but one who has quietly made waves in camp. Strong-armed, cerebral, and with sneaky athleticism, Lonergan has drawn praise from the coaching staff for his command and maturity. He lacks the flash of Sayin or the polish of Simpson, but some insiders believe he may be the most complete package.
What separates this quarterback battle from those in past years — like the Tua Tagovailoa vs. Jalen Hurts saga — is the uncertainty surrounding Alabama’s offensive identity. With Nick Saban retired and Kalen DeBoer installing his own system, there is no entrenched culture or scheme that quarterbacks must adapt to. Instead, the offensive identity will evolve based on the quarterback chosen.
That’s what makes the leadership question so central. The chosen quarterback won’t just be running plays — he’ll be helping shape the tone and culture of the new-look Crimson Tide.
College GameDay reported that DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan have met privately with small groups of offensive players — from wide receivers to linemen — to assess which quarterback brings out the best in others. The process is less about statistics and more about energy: Who lifts the room? Who wins the respect of the huddle? Who has the voice that others follow in crisis?
This shift marks a philosophical evolution from the Saban era. While Saban always demanded mental toughness and leadership, he often made early-season decisions based on risk mitigation and long-term growth. DeBoer’s style appears more collaborative, and that has introduced both uncertainty and intrigue into the process.
“You’re seeing a modern coaching approach here,” Howard said. “They’re looking at this like a CEO hiring a COO. Who can communicate? Who can inspire? Who can adapt? That’s the difference.”
The College GameDay crew also highlighted the role of NIL and external branding in the decision. While it’s unlikely to directly sway the coaching staff, the fact remains that players like Sayin and Simpson carry significant NIL value. Boosters and fan bases have become increasingly vocal about wanting to see their investments pay off. The Alabama fanbase is massive, passionate, and not always patient — and the pressure to produce results, especially offensively, is intense.
Still, DeBoer has made it clear that he won’t rush the decision. In recent interviews, he has stressed the importance of letting the process play out organically, allowing the cream to rise without external interference.
“Competition brings out the best in players,” DeBoer said last week. “We’re watching everything — how they respond to adversity, how they bounce back, how they lift their teammates. It’s not just about the box score. It’s about building a program.”
And build he must. Alabama’s post-Saban era will be scrutinized more than any coaching transition in modern college football history. DeBoer is replacing a legend, and whoever he picks at quarterback will be the first face of that transition. It’s not just about winning — it’s about setting the tone for a new dynasty, or risking a step backward in a brutally competitive SEC landscape.
As fall camp continues, the decision will soon become clear. But thanks to GameDay’s insights, the fanbase now understands that this isn’t your typical QB battle. It’s a cultural referendum. It’s a leadership audition. And it’s a reminder that in modern college football, the most important position on the field is also the most complex to evaluate.
Whoever wins the job won’t just be Alabama’s quarterback. He’ll be the foundation of the Crimson Tide’s next chapter.
