The Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing previous year under head coach Kalen DeBoer. With the departure of starting quarterback Jalen Milroe to the NFL Draft, the team faces a significant challenge in finding a suitable replacement to lead the offense.
Reflecting on a tough season
Alabama experienced a frustrating season, unlike anything seen during Nick Saban’s tenure. DeBoer’s inaugural year was marked by challenges, particularly as the team transitioned from the Pac-12 to the SEC, which proved to be a tough adjustment for both the game plan and overall performance.
The search for a new leader
With Milroe’s exit, the Tide now looks to fill the void at the QB1 position. The contenders for this crucial role include redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt freshman Austin Mack, and freshman Keelon Russell. Each brings unique qualities to the table, but who will ultimately step up to lead this storied program?
DeBoer has made it clear that he is eager to see what each quarterback can contribute. “I’m excited about what they all bring to the table. Can’t wait to get back on campus here in February and work with them,” he stated during an interview at the Senior Bowl. “The skillset’s there, and there are very strong strengths that we have, and I’m excited about them being similar in a lot of ways.
A chance for Ty Simpson
Among the candidates, Ty Simpson stands out as a player who has shown remarkable patience and dedication. Despite limited playing time, Simpson remained committed to Alabama, waiting for his opportunity behind Milroe. Now, as Milroe takes his talents to the NFL, Simpson finds himself on the brink of a significant chance.
“You certainly appreciate what he’s done. Just continued to work on what he can control, and that’s himself,” DeBoer remarked about Simpson. “He’s built relationships and is ready for this chance that he has right in front of him. It’s not just about stepping up as a leader, which he’s been doing, but also about having the opportunity to step in and be the quarterback.”
Looking ahead with optimism
After a season filled with challenges, Alabama is hopeful for what lies ahead. The previous NCAA season was far from ideal, with harsh losses that derailed what could have been a stellar year. The team fell short of the ambitious 10-win goal set by Saban and faced a disappointing bowl game loss against Michigan.
However, DeBoer remains optimistic about the future. “We know that we need to be better. That’s the expectation I had from Day 1, is that we perform at a championship level, and we certainly fell short of that,” he admitted. “I’m really excited about the momentum we have with so many players choosing to continue their career here and build their stock to reach the level we’re talking about, going to the NFL.”
As the Crimson Tide prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring that the team returns to its rightful place among college football’s elite. With DeBoer at the helm and a talented roster, Alabama fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.
The importance of teamwork
The upcoming season will not only hinge on individual performances but also on how well the new quarterbacks can work together. “Of course, everyone’s different. They’ve got the things that they bring to the table,” DeBoer explained. “But they all three just work together, and that’s really led to workouts already that sound like they’ve been very efficient and got a lot of work done.”
As the Tide embarks on this new journey, the camaraderie and collaboration among the quarterbacks will be crucial. With the right mindset and a focus on teamwork, Alabama could very well reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football.
