“QB Battle Rages On: Kalen DeBoer to Split First-Team Reps in Alabama’s First Scrimmage as Starting Job Remains Wide Open”
When Kalen DeBoer took over the reins at Alabama, following the legendary Nick Saban’s retirement, the expectation was that change would come—swiftly and deliberately. But even amidst the wave of philosophical adjustments, strategic shifts, and staff overhauls, one cornerstone of Alabama football has remained fiercely intact: competition. Nowhere is that more evident than in the quarterback room, where DeBoer has decided not to anoint a clear-cut starter ahead of the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage of fall camp. Instead, he’s keeping the battle alive, announcing that first-team reps will be split among the contenders, signaling to fans and players alike that the race for QB1 is far from over.
It’s not uncommon for a new head coach to keep his cards close to the vest, especially when inheriting a roster as talented and scrutinized as Alabama’s. But DeBoer’s insistence on maintaining an open competition isn’t just about evaluation—it’s about setting the tone. He knows what’s at stake. Alabama isn’t just another job. It’s the pinnacle of college football, a program with national championship aspirations every single season, and the quarterback is the most scrutinized position on the field. Every throw, every decision, and every rep is a data point that will be analyzed under a microscope, both internally and externally.
Coming into fall camp, Alabama’s quarterback room boasts talent, experience, and potential, but lacks clarity. Jalen Milroe, the returning starter who led the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship appearance and a berth in the College Football Playoff last year, is the presumed frontrunner. Milroe’s dual-threat capability, deep-ball prowess, and leadership are undeniable. He’s been through the fire and come out stronger. But DeBoer, whose offensive system thrives on timing, decision-making, and rhythm, has made it clear that past performance alone won’t guarantee future roles.
Waiting in the wings is Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit who has spent the last couple of seasons developing behind Bryce Young and Milroe. Simpson’s arm talent, poise, and familiarity with complex play designs make him a real contender in DeBoer’s quarterback-friendly offense. Then there’s Dylan Lonergan, another talented young signal-caller who has impressed during spring practices and is pushing to be part of the conversation. Each quarterback brings a different flavor to the table, and DeBoer is determined to see how they handle real game-like situations before tipping his hand.
The decision to split first-team reps may frustrate some fans who are eager for clarity. Alabama isn’t used to uncertainty at the quarterback position. For over a decade, the Tide have rolled out one elite signal-caller after another—AJ McCarron, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Bryce Young—each one stepping in with authority and owning the huddle. But DeBoer is not interested in rushing the process. He’s methodical by nature, and if his success at Washington is any indication, his patience often pays off. Last season, he helped mold Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and one of the most prolific passers in the country. DeBoer knows quarterback play, and he knows the importance of finding the right fit—not just athletically, but mentally and culturally.
Beyond performance, there’s a strategic element to DeBoer’s approach. By keeping the competition open, he ensures that each quarterback remains fully engaged, dialed in, and hungry. In today’s era of instant gratification and transfer portals, it’s a delicate balancing act. Coaches must foster competition without alienating talent. DeBoer’s transparency in giving each quarterback a genuine shot allows him to maintain locker room unity while also maximizing development.
Splitting reps during the first scrimmage will provide DeBoer and his offensive staff with valuable tape to review. Live reps against Alabama’s ferocious defense—the same unit that returns several starters and boasts potential first-round NFL talent—will reveal how each quarterback responds under pressure. Practice drills and 7-on-7s can only tell so much. Scrimmages simulate the pace, pressure, and unpredictability of real games. It’s the crucible where contenders separate themselves.
But beyond who throws the most touchdowns or avoids turnovers, DeBoer will be watching the intangibles: Who commands the huddle? Who communicates effectively at the line of scrimmage? Who adjusts protections and reads defenses pre-snap? Who bounces back from adversity? These are the qualities that separate quarterbacks in DeBoer’s system. It’s less about hero ball and more about consistency, decision-making, and execution.
For Milroe, this scrimmage represents a critical opportunity to show growth. Last year, he was electric at times but also erratic. His athleticism often bailed him out, but DeBoer’s offense demands timing throws and reading the full field. Milroe must demonstrate that he’s taken the next step as a passer and processor. For Simpson, it’s a chance to prove he can move the offense efficiently and stay calm under duress. For Lonergan, it’s about showcasing raw talent and poise beyond his years. The scrimmage isn’t just about a single performance—it’s the beginning of a long evaluation.
DeBoer’s quarterback decision will likely stretch beyond the first scrimmage. The head coach has repeatedly emphasized that the process will unfold gradually. He wants to see consistency across multiple practices and scrimmages. He wants to observe how each quarterback handles success and failure. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team is watching closely. A starting quarterback isn’t just another position. He’s the face of the offense, the leader in the locker room, and the embodiment of the program’s identity. Whoever wins the job must not only execute the offense but inspire belief among teammates. That trust isn’t earned overnight—it’s built rep by rep, scrimmage by scrimmage.
DeBoer’s decision to split first-team reps also reinforces a broader theme: no one is entitled, and everything must be earned. That message resonates far beyond the quarterback room. It sets a standard for the entire roster. Veterans and newcomers alike understand that the slate is clean under the new regime. Perform or be replaced. That’s how dynasties are sustained.
From a tactical perspective, DeBoer’s willingness to let the battle play out also forces future opponents to prepare for multiple quarterback styles. Milroe’s athleticism presents one set of challenges, while Simpson and Lonergan offer different looks. Until Alabama names a starter, opposing defensive coordinators are left to guess, which creates a strategic advantage in the early part of the season.
The quarterback competition is also a microcosm of the larger transition Alabama is undergoing. This is no longer Nick Saban’s team, but his fingerprints still linger. The expectations, the culture, the standard—they’re all still there. But DeBoer is putting his own stamp on the program. He’s methodical, analytical, and unafraid to challenge norms. His decision to split reps is more than just a coaching tactic; it’s a signal that he values substance over flash, process over panic, and competition over comfort.
As Alabama’s first scrimmage approaches, the anticipation builds. Fans, analysts, and even teammates will be watching closely to see who emerges. But for DeBoer, it’s not about quick answers. It’s about the right answer. And sometimes, the only way to get there is to let the battle play out on the field.
So as the quarterbacks rotate under center during that first scrimmage, each dropback will carry weight. Each read, each throw, each audible will be another step toward clarity. But until then, the competition continues. The battle for QB1 is alive and well in Tuscaloosa, and Kalen DeBoer wouldn’t have it any other way.