9 hours Ago By Brody Smoot, Touchdown Alabama Magazine
Alabama has had some quarterback battles in the past. There may not be one more important than this year’s quarterback battle that will take place in the spring and likely last into the fall. Will it be Keelon Russell, Ty Simpson, or Austin Mack? The Alabama coaching staff will have to weigh several important factors when determining the starter.
Touchdown Alabama breaks down some of the determining factors that the coaching staff will have to account for when naming the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. In 2024, Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled significantly down the stretch. His inability to hold onto the football and costly decisions led to multiple Alabama losses.
The biggest thing that the coaching staff will need to address is consistency in performance at the quarterback position. Which quarterback can be the most effective and consistent behind center? Each of the three quarterbacks have limited experience. In fact, Simpson is the only quarterback on the roster that has started a single game.
He started in 2023 against USF. Turnovers were an issue last season for the Crimson Tide. Milroe threw a career-high 11 interceptions.
That trend cannot continue in 2025 if Alabama wants any chance of reaching the postseason. With offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb coming to Tuscaloosa, it will be interesting to see how much involvement he has in determining who the starting quarterback is. There will be several opportunities for the coaching staff to assess each of the quarterbacks.
There will be 16 spring practices, scrimmages, and the spring game. Each will give early indicators for where each of the quarterbacks stand heading into the offseason. Another key characteristic that will help determine the starter is leadership.
Which quarterback will take over and lead the offense? In the past, Alabama had players like Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young that took charge and the initiative for how the offense performed week-in and week-out. Which of the three quarterbacks will show qualities of leadership leading up to Week 1 against Florida State? There is no denying the fact that there is talent in Alabama’s quarterback room. Consistency in performance, turnover rate, and leadership are three things that the coaching staff will need to evaluate during the offseason.
This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission..
