Alabama’s Top Quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa

The University of Alabama has long been known for producing some of the most successful and talented football players in college football history, particularly at key positions like running back, linebacker, and defensive back. However, one position that has become increasingly important in recent years is quarterback. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama’s offense has evolved, and the quarterback position has gone from a relatively overlooked role in the early years of Saban’s tenure to one that now serves as a key driver of success. Two of the most prominent quarterbacks in Alabama’s history in recent years are Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom have not only achieved greatness in college but have also gone on to have successful careers in the NFL.

These two quarterbacks are among the most celebrated in Alabama history, and their journeys at Alabama have reshaped the perception of what is possible for quarterbacks in Tuscaloosa. While both players came from different backgrounds and had different styles of play, their impact on Alabama football is undeniable. Their success at the University of Alabama, paired with their subsequent professional careers, has cemented their status as two of the most influential quarterbacks in the history of college football.

Jalen Hurts: The Dual-Threat Leader

Jalen Hurts’ story at Alabama is one of perseverance, resilience, and ultimately redemption. Hurts arrived at Alabama in 2016 as a highly touted recruit and quickly made his presence known. He was known for his dynamic ability as a dual-threat quarterback, capable of beating defenses with both his arm and his legs. Hurts was a perfect fit for Alabama’s offense at the time, which relied on a powerful running game and balanced attack. He made an immediate impact in his freshman year, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship appearance.

Hurts’ journey at Alabama wasn’t without its challenges, however. Despite his impressive freshman season, Hurts faced significant criticism, especially after a somewhat underwhelming performance in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson. Despite leading Alabama to an undefeated regular season, Hurts struggled with his passing accuracy and decision-making in big moments.

In the 2017 season, during the national championship game against Georgia, Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the second half. It was a decision that would ultimately define Alabama’s offense moving forward. Tagovailoa came in during the second half and led Alabama to a thrilling comeback victory, earning the starting quarterback job for the 2018 season. Hurts’ decision to stay with Alabama, despite being replaced in such a critical moment, speaks to his character and leadership.

Despite being a backup in 2018, Hurts played a crucial role in the team’s success when called upon, proving to be a capable leader off the bench. In his final year at Alabama in 2019, Hurts decided to transfer to the University of Oklahoma, where he would continue his college career. He had a stellar season at Oklahoma, leading the Sooners to a College Football Playoff appearance and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist. His decision to leave Alabama and thrive at Oklahoma only further showcased his resilience and determination.

Now in the NFL, Hurts has proven that he was much more than a college quarterback who was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa. After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts quickly became the starting quarterback for the Eagles and led them to the Super Bowl in his second season. His dual-threat capabilities, leadership, and strong work ethic have earned him recognition as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Hurts’ journey from Alabama to Oklahoma to the NFL is a testament to his growth, both as a player and as a person, and his time at Alabama was crucial in shaping him into the quarterback he is today.

Tua Tagovailoa: The Elite Passer

Tua Tagovailoa’s career at Alabama is one that will be remembered for his remarkable passing ability and his poise under pressure. Tagovailoa, a Hawaiian-born quarterback, arrived at Alabama in 2017 with massive expectations. He quickly became known for his elite arm talent, accuracy, and ability to make plays in clutch situations. While Hurts had a great freshman year, it was Tagovailoa who stole the spotlight during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where he led Alabama to a 26-23 victory over Georgia in overtime.

Tagovailoa’s performance in that national championship game became one of the most iconic moments in college football history, as he threw a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to seal the victory. That moment catapulted him to stardom, and it was clear that Tagovailoa had the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football. He was officially named the starter for the 2018 season, and his playmaking ability became the cornerstone of Alabama’s high-powered offense.

Under Tagovailoa, Alabama’s offense flourished, and he led the team to numerous victories, including an undefeated regular season in 2018. His precision passing, deep-ball accuracy, and leadership on the field made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. In 2018, he finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and by the time he declared for the NFL Draft after the 2019 season, he was widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the country.

Tua’s final year at Alabama was marred by a serious hip injury that forced him to miss much of the 2019 season. However, despite the injury, his body of work at Alabama was enough to solidify his place as one of the best quarterbacks in school history. Tagovailoa was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and while his NFL career has had its ups and downs, he has shown flashes of brilliance in Miami, proving that his success at Alabama was no fluke.

Tagovailoa’s time at Alabama changed the program’s offensive identity. He helped to usher in an era of prolific passing, and his ability to make pinpoint throws down the field set a new standard for Alabama quarterbacks. His success has continued in the NFL, where he has become a key figure for the Dolphins, further solidifying Alabama’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier quarterbacks.

A Legacy of Excellence

Both Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa have left indelible marks on Alabama football. They have changed the way quarterbacks are viewed in Tuscaloosa, helping to elevate Alabama’s offense and ushering in a new era of dynamic play at the quarterback position. Hurts’ perseverance and growth, combined with Tagovailoa’s elite passing ability, have set the bar for future quarterbacks in the program.

Their careers at Alabama not only helped to cement the program’s status as a national powerhouse but also paved the way for other top recruits to see Alabama as a place where quarterbacks can thrive and develop into professional-level talent. Hurts and Tagovailoa will forever be remembered as two of the greatest quarterbacks to ever wear the Crimson Tide uniform, and their influence on Alabama football will be felt for years to come.