Ranking Alabama Football’s Position Groups: Why Quarterbacks Land at No. 6 Despite the Team’s Championship-Level Expectations
Alabama football is synonymous with dominance. From the relentless ground game to the suffocating defense, every position group under Nick Saban’s tenure has historically functioned like a cog in a championship-caliber machine. However, as the Crimson Tide enters a new era post-Saban, with Kalen DeBoer taking over in 2024, a fresh evaluation of the team’s positional strengths and weaknesses is required. And while quarterback has often been a strength in the modern Alabama offense—think Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Bryce Young—heading into the 2024 season, the quarterback position ranks just sixth in a comprehensive breakdown of the team’s personnel.
This ranking isn’t an indictment of raw talent. Rather, it reflects the current state of uncertainty, the transition in coaching philosophy, and the unproven nature of the room under real, meaningful SEC pressure. There’s potential—undeniably—but compared to other position groups on the roster, the quarterbacks have more questions than answers. In a program like Alabama, where the margin for error is razor thin, that uncertainty can be the difference between a national title and a two-loss season.
Jalen Milroe returns as the projected starter after a season that saw him evolve considerably, especially in the second half. Milroe’s athleticism is electric—he’s arguably the best running quarterback in the nation—but his development as a passer remains a work in progress. The narrative around Milroe has always been defined by his dual-threat ability. He can turn broken plays into highlight-reel moments, and his ability to extend plays with his legs keeps defenses off-balance. However, that strength can also be a crutch. When under duress, Milroe has shown a tendency to bail out of clean pockets, defaulting to his legs instead of trusting his reads.
What complicates matters further is the system change under DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. Milroe flourished last season under Tommy Rees in an offense that eventually leaned into his athleticism. DeBoer’s system, on the other hand, demands a higher level of processing speed and passing consistency. At Washington, Michael Penix Jr. thrived in a rhythm-based, vertical passing attack that relied heavily on timing, pocket presence, and surgical ball placement. Milroe will be asked to do many of the same things, but without the benefit of multiple years of development in that system. It’s a tall ask.
Behind Milroe, the situation is equally uncertain. Redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan and sophomore Ty Simpson provide depth, but both remain largely unproven in meaningful game situations. Simpson, once a highly touted recruit, has shown flashes of ability but hasn’t yet seized the opportunity to challenge Milroe for the starting job in a sustained way. Lonergan, for his part, is considered to have significant upside, with a strong arm and poise, but he lacks in-game experience.
There’s also Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington who followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa. While his familiarity with the new offensive scheme is a plus, Mack is still very young and raw. It’s unlikely he challenges for serious playing time this season, barring injury or a dramatic shift in performance during fall camp. His presence, though, adds to the future depth of the room and gives DeBoer a long-term developmental option he clearly believes in.
When you compare the quarterback group to other positions on the team—particularly offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, and running back—it becomes clear why quarterbacks are sixth in this ranking. The offensive line, for example, features multiple future NFL Draft picks and has the potential to be one of the most dominant units in the country. The defensive edge players are equally loaded, boasting game-changing speed and strength. The cornerbacks are deep, experienced, and technically sound. Even the running backs, though perhaps less heralded nationally, offer a blend of power, vision, and explosiveness that make them one of the most reliable groups on the team.
The quarterback room, by contrast, is still in flux. There’s a legitimate possibility that Milroe takes a major step forward under DeBoer’s tutelage, especially if the offensive line gives him time and the receivers find rhythm in the new system. But that’s still speculative. Consistency is the key—Milroe must become more than a highlight generator. He has to become a reliable, steady hand who can throw his team back into games when needed and stay ahead of the chains in high-pressure situations. Can he do that in a brand-new system, in the SEC gauntlet, against the likes of Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee? That’s the central question.
Then there’s the leadership aspect. Quarterback isn’t just a technical position—it’s emotional, mental, and symbolic. The quarterback sets the tone in the huddle, the locker room, and even on the sideline. Bryce Young had that calm-under-pressure demeanor that inspired confidence. Mac Jones had the obsessive preparation and swagger that lifted the offense. Tua had the poise and joy that energized the team. Milroe has charisma and command, but he’s still learning how to lead through adversity and become the consistent voice his team needs.
From a recruiting standpoint, Alabama continues to attract top-tier quarterback talent, and DeBoer’s offensive reputation should only improve that pipeline. But this season, it’s about what can be done right now—not what might be possible in two or three years. The learning curve will be steep. The competition will be fierce. And the expectations will be sky-high.
One thing that works in favor of this quarterback group is the surrounding talent. The offensive line is expected to give Milroe time, and the wide receiver group—though also going through some reshuffling—has explosive potential. Players like Isaiah Bond and Germie Bernard could become critical weapons, especially if they can stretch the field and take pressure off Milroe in the intermediate game. Additionally, the run game should open up play-action opportunities, which align well with Milroe’s strengths.
Ultimately, the No. 6 ranking isn’t about underperformance. It’s about comparative certainty. Other groups on this Alabama team enter 2024 with more proven depth, more continuity, and more predictability. The quarterbacks, while full of promise, have yet to show that they can execute at a high level consistently against elite competition. Until that happens, they’ll remain just outside the top tier.
There’s also the factor of expectations. At Alabama, a quarterback isn’t measured solely by completions and touchdowns. He’s judged by wins, championships, and poise in critical moments. Milroe showed flashes of that last year, including a heroic performance against Auburn and a solid showing in the SEC title game. But the playoff loss to Michigan highlighted the room for growth. To elevate into the top five—or even the top three—of Alabama’s position group rankings, the quarterbacks will need to combine their raw tools with maturity, decision-making, and game-to-game consistency.
Alabama fans should remain optimistic. Milroe is a rare athlete, and his development arc is trending upward. The supporting cast is there. The coaching, under DeBoer and Sheridan, offers a fresh perspective that could unlock new dimensions in the offense. And the hunger, after falling short of a national title, will be immense.
But until those ingredients come together in sustained, high-level play, the quarterback position at Alabama—despite its storied past—finds itself in the middle of the pack. Not because it lacks talent, but because the road from potential to production is still under construction.
