Alabama’s starting quarterback competition for 2025 is wide open, with a case to be made for all three contenders: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and incoming five-star freshman Keelon Russell.
Joseph Goodman of AL.com, however, argues that Simpson and Mack should be disqualified based on their lack of impact in 2024. When Kalen DeBoer needed a backup for Jalen Milroe against Oklahoma, neither was deemed a viable option.
Goodman points out that Alabama had enough talent to dominate LSU in Death Valley, so losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma were more about poor coaching preparation and Milroe’s inconsistency. He questions why DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan didn’t bench Milroe at halftime against Oklahoma, speculating whether it was due to loyalty or fear of exposing the backup QBs. If Simpson and Mack weren’t trusted to play in 2024, Goodman isn’t convinced they should be the answer in 2025.
DeBoer made several mistakes in 2024 that he likely won’t repeat, one of which was letting Ryan Grubb leave—something he has now corrected by giving Grubb play-calling duties. Another key decision will be at quarterback. With Milroe gone, DeBoer must decide whether to stick with a Nick Saban-era QB or select his own player with Grubb’s input.
