The most recent information on Alabama football quarterback competition is provided by Kalen DeBoer

When Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer took the reins from the legendary Nick Saban, it was clear the program was entering a new era. With DeBoer’s arrival came immediate intrigue—what would his offense look like, who would emerge as key playmakers, and, most importantly, who would lead the Crimson Tide at quarterback in 2025?

With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, Alabama’s quarterback room became the epicenter of offseason speculation. As spring practices wrap up and the A-Day spring game approaches, three quarterbacks are in the spotlight: redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson, freshman Austin Mack, and dynamic early enrollee Keelon Russell.

DeBoer, known for developing elite quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, hasn’t tipped his hand just yet. But he’s provided glimpses into what he’s looking for and what each quarterback brings to the table. Here’s an in-depth look at the battle under center, how it’s shaping Alabama’s new offensive identity, and what fans can expect leading into fall camp.

Ty Simpson: The Veteran Waiting for His Shot

Ty Simpson has waited patiently. The former five-star recruit out of Tennessee has been a part of the Alabama program since 2022 and has seen the quarterback carousel spin around him—first Bryce Young, then Jalen Milroe. Now, with two years of development under his belt, Simpson enters the spring as the most experienced quarterback on the roster.

Though he has thrown only 50 career passes, Simpson’s understanding of Alabama’s system and his maturity in the locker room give him a leg up. During spring practices, Simpson has impressed with his poise, command of the huddle, and ability to read DeBoer’s evolving offense. He’s consistently been the first QB to take reps with the first-team offense.

“Ty’s a guy who’s been through the fire a bit,” DeBoer said earlier this spring. “He’s got a calm presence about him, and we’re seeing steady improvement in his mechanics and decision-making.”

One major area of growth for Simpson has been his ability to extend plays without compromising the structure of the offense. He’s no dual-threat in the mold of Milroe, but he moves well in the pocket and can deliver on the run.

There are still questions about whether he can push the ball downfield consistently—something critical in DeBoer’s scheme, which flourished at Washington with deep shots off play-action—but Simpson has the leadership qualities and mental toughness coaches trust.

If Alabama wants stability and a game manager who can grow into a bigger role as the season progresses, Simpson may be the guy.

Austin Mack: The DeBoer Disciple

Freshman Austin Mack followed Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb from Washington to Tuscaloosa, and that familiarity could play a pivotal role in the quarterback race.

Mack enrolled early and immediately began showing off the arm talent that made him a top-10 QB in the 2024 class. He knows DeBoer’s offense well—having committed to it at Washington—and he’s drawn praise for his anticipation, quick release, and processing speed.

“He’s a sponge,” said Grubb. “He’s always been very coachable, and that’s what you want in a young quarterback learning a complex system.”

While he’s clearly still adjusting to SEC speed and physicality, Mack has made it clear he didn’t come to Alabama to sit quietly. He’s taken advantage of every rep he’s received and is beginning to look more comfortable in the pocket.

One of the key advantages Mack has is his deep understanding of DeBoer’s terminology and concepts. While Simpson is learning the new offense for the first time, Mack has run variations of it for over a year. That edge in mental reps could shorten the learning curve and allow him to push for real playing time, even if he doesn’t win the starting job outright by Week 1.

The long-term potential with Mack is significant. He fits the mold of quarterbacks DeBoer has developed in the past: strong, smart, and surgical with the football.

Keelon Russell: The Wild Card

The most electrifying quarterback in the room might also be the least experienced. Keelon Russell, Alabama’s prized five-star recruit from Duncanville, Texas, is making early waves in spring ball with his athleticism and natural playmaking ability.

Russell originally committed to SMU but flipped to Alabama during the early signing period. His commitment was a massive win for DeBoer, as Russell brings a level of explosiveness that could immediately challenge SEC defenses.

At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Russell is a dual-threat quarterback who posted video game numbers in high school. He was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year after leading Duncanville to a 15-0 record and a Texas 6A state championship. He accounted for over 3,800 total yards and 50 touchdowns in his senior year alone.

“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” DeBoer said. “He’s young and raw, but when the lights are on, he plays fearless football.”

Russell’s development will depend heavily on how quickly he can grasp the mental side of the game. He’s still getting comfortable with pre-snap reads, blitz pickups, and throwing with timing. But his upside is tremendous, and teammates have already raved about his confidence and leadership.

The coaching staff has been careful to manage expectations, but there’s little doubt Russell is the future. The only question is whether the future starts this fall.

Kalen DeBoer’s Vision for Alabama’s Offense

Much of the quarterback decision will hinge on how quickly the contenders adapt to Kalen DeBoer’s offensive philosophy.

At Washington, DeBoer ran a pro-style system with spread principles that relied heavily on vertical passing, timing routes, and exploiting matchups. Michael Penix Jr. thrived in the system, becoming a Heisman finalist and top NFL prospect thanks to his ability to operate within a structured, pass-first offense.

DeBoer isn’t necessarily looking to replicate that scheme in Tuscaloosa, but the bones of it will remain. He’s emphasized tailoring the offense to the strengths of his quarterback, not the other way around.

“What’s important to me is building around our guys,” DeBoer said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a pocket passer or a dual-threat. What matters is can you execute under pressure, can you protect the football, and can you lead?”

That flexibility gives each quarterback a path to winning the job. For Simpson, it’s his consistency and leadership. For Mack, it’s his system knowledge and passing instincts. For Russell, it’s his explosive athleticism and raw talent.

Regardless of who wins, Alabama fans can expect a more pass-heavy offense in 2025, with tempo and creativity at the forefront. The days of ground-and-pound may be over, but the Crimson Tide are evolving.

What Players and Coaches Are Saying

The quarterback competition has become a major talking point among players and assistant coaches. Veteran wide receiver Kobe Prentice recently praised all three candidates but offered insight into what stands out.

“Ty’s been here the longest, and you can tell,” Prentice said. “He knows where the ball needs to go. But man, Austin’s arm is legit. And Keelon? That dude’s electric. He makes plays out of nothing.”

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb echoed those sentiments, noting that the competition has brought out the best in the team.

“These guys are pushing each other, and you see it every day in practice,” Grubb said. “They’re competing, but they’re also helping one another. That’s a great sign for the locker room.”

Behind the scenes, Alabama’s strength and conditioning staff has also been tracking leadership intangibles—how each quarterback commands respect, how they rally teammates after bad plays, and how they respond to adversity.

So far, DeBoer has declined to name a frontrunner, insisting the battle is “wide open.” But the picture should become clearer following the A-Day spring game, where fans will get their first public look at the trio.

The Road Ahead

No matter who wins the starting job, Alabama’s offense will look different in 2025.

Gone is the old identity built on dominant defense and ball control. Under DeBoer, the Tide are embracing a faster, more aggressive style of play. And at the heart of it all will be the quarterback—whoever earns the job will shoulder the pressure of maintaining Alabama’s place among college football’s elite.

The schedule doesn’t offer a gentle ramp-up. Alabama opens the season against Wisconsin at home, then travels to Florida in Week 3. The SEC slate includes matchups with Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M.

That means the starting quarterback must be ready from Day 1. There’s no time for a slow build.

As spring wraps up and fall camp looms, all eyes will remain on Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. DeBoer’s first major decision at Alabama isn’t just about naming a starter—it’s about choosing the face of a new era.

And in Tuscaloosa, the stakes couldn’t be higher.