Just like every time the Alabama football quarterback position is up for grabs, the battle to become the Crimson Tide’s next starter is the story of the offseason. For 2025, there are three candidates for the job in Tuscaloosa.
Returning from the 2024 team is Ty Simpson, who served as Jalen Milroe’s primary backup dating back to 2023. Austin Mack also returns, after following Kalen DeBoer from Washington last offseason.
Finally, Alabama recruited five-star true freshman Keelon Russell, flipping his commitment from SMU. Russell, who hails from Duncanville, Texas, was named MVP of the Elite 11 before arriving on campus.
After three practices, Alabama paused spring football for spring break. After one week of practices, here’s what to know about where each of the quarterbacks stand.
During Wednesday’s window when reporters viewed a portion of practice, Simpson seemed to be going first in the order of operations among the three quarterbacks. He’s thought to be the most obvious choice for the role, given his experience.
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praised Simpson’s start to spring.
“He’s really improving,” Grubb said. “One thing I like and appreciate about Ty already that you can tell is he’s very serious about wanting to succeed. He’s had the mindset that he’s been ready, you know, and he’s been kind of waiting in the wings so to speak.
“I think for me it’s just, I know he’s committed to the process. I think that’s what makes great quarterbacks. As long as he understands it’s gonna take a little bit, he’s got to be committed to those steps, he’s gonna be great.”
Austin Mack
Mack appeared to be second in the order for drills during the observation period. He’s the lone quarterback among the three recruited by Grubb, who helped get him to Washington as a member of the 2023 class.
It’s unclear whether Grubb’s presence at Alabama gives Mack any sort of edge in the competition. He saw snaps in the Mercer game last year, completing two of his three passes, including one for a touchdown.
Grubb did speak highly of the redshirt sophomore, mentioning one NFL player Mack learned from.
“He’s got a big upside,” Grubb said of Mack. “I thought he’d really done a good job working on his technique, throwing motion, things like that. I can tell he’s been working hard on it the last year. He’s a very bright kid, I know that he can process the offense. He came into our system really, really young, a 17-year-old freshman.
“Kind of the thought there was, when we got Austin at Washington, was that he would have six months with Mike Penix and kind of see how it’s supposed to be done. I certainly think he’s gravitated to that. It looks like he’s matured a lot and I’m excited to be with him.”
Keelon Russell
The newest addition to the room, Russell made his first appearance in an Alabama practice uniform last Monday. He seemed to be third in the order for drills on Wednesday, but looked sharp throwing the ball, with an extremely smooth motion.
Russell put on weight from the initial signing to spring practice, jumping from 175 pounds to 192.
“He looks good right now,” DeBoer said of the youngster. “Strong and moves around. He’s just a good all-around athlete. The weight program, certainly for any new guy is going to be critical. It’s good to get that first phase under your belt.”
Russell is the first quarterback DeBoer has recruited to Alabama. The Crimson Tide flipped his commitment shortly before Russell earned his fifth star from most recruiting services.
Since arriving on campus, DeBoer said Russell has stacked up well compared to other young quarterbacks he has coached.
“He’s got a long way to go because I think that’s the way he looks at it, “DeBoer said. “He’s excited about what this growth’s going to be even during this spring. But his ceiling and what he accomplished through what you can see on the high school film, he’s a pretty elite quarterback coming in as a high school season, current freshman for us.”
