Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team has entered a new chapter following a disappointing bowl loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl, as quarterback Jalen Milroe announced that he will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Milroe, a redshirt junior, had been a steady presence under center for Alabama over the past two seasons, but his decision to leave now leaves the team with a significant hole at the most crucial position in football—quarterback.
Milroe’s departure marks the end of an era for the Crimson Tide. During his tenure as the starting quarterback, Milroe led Alabama to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023 and narrowly missed out in 2024. Although his 2024 season was statistically down from the previous year—throwing 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions—Milroe provided stability for the team, which had its fair share of ups and downs during his two years as the starter. Now, as Milroe moves on to the NFL, the Tide are left with some major questions surrounding the quarterback position for the 2025 season. Let’s break down the options Alabama has at quarterback moving forward.
Ty Simpson: The Experienced Option
The most logical candidate to step in as the starter in 2025 is Ty Simpson, a redshirt sophomore who opted to return to the program in 2024 as Milroe’s backup. Simpson has been at Alabama for a few seasons now, but his on-field experience is limited. Over his first three years, Simpson has attempted only 50 passes, making him an unproven commodity at the collegiate level. However, despite his lack of playing time, Simpson is a former five-star recruit, and his pedigree suggests he has the talent to compete for the starting role.
Simpson’s limited experience could be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On one hand, he knows the Alabama system and has been a part of the team for a few years, which gives him some familiarity with the program. On the other hand, his lack of significant game experience makes it hard to know how he will perform when the spotlight is on him. While he may not have shown much during his limited opportunities, the staff at Alabama likely views him as the most experienced option in the room, and he could be the frontrunner heading into the spring competition.
Austin Mack: The Freshman Talent
Austin Mack, a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, is another option for Alabama at quarterback. Mack was brought in by head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington and represents a fresh face in the quarterback room. As a freshman, Mack is understandably behind Simpson in terms of experience, but his arrival at Alabama adds an exciting dynamic to the competition.
While Mack is still new to the collegiate game, he could surprise many with his potential. Being a four-star recruit, Mack has the talent to challenge for the starting position, though it seems unlikely he will be handed the job immediately. Alabama has a solid tradition of competing for national championships, and DeBoer’s coaching staff will likely want to lean on experience as they head into 2025. However, Mack’s competitive nature and raw talent could allow him to push for the starting role, especially if the coaching staff feels that he’s ready to take on a larger role.
Keelon Russell: The Five-Star Freshman with High Expectations
The most intriguing option for Alabama’s quarterback position in 2025, however, may be 2025 five-star recruit Keelon Russell. Ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the class, Russell comes to Alabama with high expectations and a lot of buzz surrounding his potential. The 6’4″, 185-pound quarterback hails from Duncanville, Texas, where he was a multi-year starter for one of the most successful high school football programs in the country. Russell is known for his arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket, all qualities that make him a potential game-changer for Alabama.
At the Under Armour All-American Game, Russell made it clear that he views the starting quarterback position as something he expects to compete for immediately. He acknowledged the opportunity that has opened up with Milroe’s departure and emphasized his mindset of coming in to win the job. Russell’s confidence is evident, and his mentality suggests that he is ready to take on the challenge of leading Alabama’s offense in his freshman year.
“I’m going in there to compete, and best comes out of it,” Russell said. “I feel like I’m a quarterback that doesn’t really resolve around pressure. I’m more of a confident quarterback. I want to go compete, and that’s what it is. If I go compete, I’m going to win the starting position.”
Russell’s ability to handle pressure and his belief in his own abilities could serve him well as he faces off against Simpson and Mack for the starting job. While it is rare for true freshmen to come in and start immediately at powerhouse programs like Alabama, Russell’s talent and determination make it clear that he believes he has what it takes to claim the job.
The Quarterback Competition and Future of Alabama’s Offense
As Alabama heads into the 2025 season, the quarterback competition is likely to be one of the most closely watched battles in college football. With Milroe moving on, the Crimson Tide will need to find a new leader under center, and the decision they make will have a profound impact on the offense for years to come. While Ty Simpson appears to be the most experienced option, both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell bring different qualities to the table that could make the competition wide open.
In terms of style, Alabama’s offense could change depending on who wins the starting job. Simpson’s familiarity with the system may make him the most comfortable option, but Russell’s talent could force the team to adjust its playcalling to take advantage of his skills. Russell’s strong arm and ability to make plays downfield could encourage a more dynamic passing attack, while Simpson and Mack may allow the offense to continue with a more balanced, traditional approach.
The Crimson Tide have invested a lot in Russell, and it seems likely that the coaching staff will give him every opportunity to earn the starting job. However, the competition will be fierce, and it’s entirely possible that Simpson or Mack could emerge as the starter based on their performances in spring practice and fall camp.
Looking Ahead
With Jalen Milroe officially on his way to the NFL, Alabama’s quarterback position is wide open for the 2025 season. Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell will all compete for the job, and the battle promises to be one of the most exciting storylines heading into the season. Whoever wins the starting role will need to rise to the occasion and help lead Alabama back to championship contention. Whether the future of the Crimson Tide’s offense is shaped by Simpson’s experience, Mack’s potential, or Russell’s talent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the quarterback position will be a focal point for Alabama in 2025.
