The Alabama football program has gone through significant changes in the last two offseasons, marked by the retirement of iconic head coach Nick Saban and the start of Kalen DeBoer’s tenure. A key decision that could shape DeBoer’s era is the outcome of the quarterback competition.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy gave his take on which quarterback has the edge.
“I believe the gap exists right now between Ty Simpson and everybody else,” McElroy said.
Simpson, who was defeated in the QB1 battle by Jalen Milroe in 2023, has served as the backup for the past two seasons. The former five-star recruit has completed 29 of 49 pass attempts over his three years in Tuscaloosa, totaling 381 passing yards.
The Martin, Tennessee native has also shown dual-threat capability, recording three touchdown runs on 22 carries for 130 rushing yards.
His competition for the starting role includes redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell.
Mack, initially part of the 2024 recruiting class, reclassified to 2023 and began his college career at Washington, where he was behind future NFL first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. After Alabama hired DeBoer, Mack followed his coach to Tuscaloosa, spending a year as a backup to Milroe.
The former four-star recruit had limited playing time in 2024 but completed two of his three pass attempts for 39 yards and a touchdown on November 16 during a 52-7 win over Mercer.
Russell, a standout in Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, which finished ranked No. 4 nationally, was the top player in the 2025 cycle. The No. 2 player in the country earned National Gatorade Player of the Year honors in his senior season after racking up 4,177 passing yards, 55 passing touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns.
Alabama will kick off the season on the road against Florida State, with any of the three quarterbacks still in contention for the starting job.
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