With Jalen Milroe’s Departure, Here Are the Quarterback Candidates to Lead Alabama Next Season
As the Alabama Crimson Tide enters the 2025 offseason, the team faces an important transition at the quarterback position. After two seasons as the starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe is preparing to move on, leaving a significant gap at the most pivotal position on the field. Milroe’s departure marks the end of an era, as Alabama now must look to a new leader to steer its offense and guide the team toward future success.
Jalen Milroe was a key figure in Alabama’s offense during his tenure, providing both explosiveness and physicality at the quarterback position. His dynamic running ability, combined with his arm strength, helped him become a dual-threat quarterback that opposing defenses found difficult to contain. However, inconsistency with his passing game and a tendency to turn the ball over held him back from reaching his full potential. Despite these challenges, Milroe’s contributions cannot be understated, and his departure leaves a significant hole for Alabama to fill.
With Milroe out of the picture, Alabama must now evaluate its options for the quarterback role in 2025. The Crimson Tide’s coaching staff has already begun to assess the strengths and weaknesses of its roster, and several quarterbacks are poised to compete for the starting job. Let’s take a look at the key candidates who could lead Alabama in the upcoming season.
1. Ty Simpson (Redshirt Sophomore)
Ty Simpson, a highly-touted recruit from the 2023 class, is widely regarded as one of the top candidates to take over as Alabama’s starting quarterback next season. Simpson was a 5-star recruit from Tennessee, who was known for his exceptional arm talent, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. He was considered a future star and someone with the potential to lead Alabama’s offense for years to come.
During his redshirt freshman season in 2024, Simpson had limited opportunities to play behind Milroe but showed flashes of his potential when given the chance. He appeared in a few games during mop-up duty and even led the team in some key moments, displaying a calm demeanor and making some impressive throws. Simpson’s ability to read defenses and deliver accurate passes, especially on intermediate and deep routes, has been a major selling point for his future.
One of Simpson’s most significant advantages over Milroe is his passing consistency. While Milroe’s arm strength and mobility were undeniable, Simpson’s ability to make precise throws could provide a much-needed balance to Alabama’s offense. With a full offseason to develop under head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Simpson has a strong chance of seizing the starting role.
Simpson’s biggest challenge will be adapting to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses as a full-time starter. His decision-making, particularly in terms of when to take risks and when to check down, will be crucial. However, his natural talent and high ceiling make him the frontrunner for the job heading into spring practice.
2. Eli Holstein (Freshman)
Eli Holstein, a freshman who joined Alabama in 2025, enters the quarterback competition with considerable hype. Holstein was one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class and hails from Louisiana, where he was a highly productive high school quarterback. Holstein’s ability to make throws on the move, combined with his understanding of the game, made him one of the most coveted recruits of his class.
Holstein has the physical tools to be a standout quarterback in college football. He boasts a strong arm, accuracy on all levels of the field, and the ability to read defenses quickly. Additionally, his mobility and athleticism allow him to extend plays and make something out of nothing. These attributes make Holstein a dangerous weapon in an offense that relies on balance and versatility.
However, as a true freshman, Holstein faces an uphill battle to earn the starting job right away. While his talent is undeniable, the learning curve in the SEC can be steep, especially for young quarterbacks. Holstein will need to prove that he can handle the complexity of Alabama’s offense and adjust to the speed of the game at the college level.
One area where Holstein will need to improve is his consistency with his mechanics. Like many young quarterbacks, he sometimes struggles with his footwork and decision-making under pressure. Holstein’s ability to improve in these areas during the offseason will be critical in his bid for the starting role. Although Simpson may be the early favorite, Holstein’s talent and potential should not be underestimated.
3. Jalen Milroe’s Successor: The Transfer Portal Option
As we saw in recent years with quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, Alabama has become a destination for elite quarterbacks, and the 2025 season could follow suit. With Milroe’s departure, the Crimson Tide coaching staff may look to the transfer portal to bring in an experienced quarterback to compete for the starting job.
There are several intriguing transfer portal candidates who could join the Alabama program and provide immediate competition. Alabama has long been a program that is willing to take a chance on seasoned quarterbacks who have proven themselves in other systems. With Milroe leaving, the addition of a transfer quarterback would allow Alabama to avoid starting a true freshman while also maintaining an established level of experience.
Several quarterbacks in the transfer portal could be a fit for Alabama’s system, whether it’s a dual-threat quarterback, a traditional pocket passer, or someone with an already developed understanding of the SEC’s style of play. Alabama has a well-established reputation for developing quarterbacks, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team land a highly accomplished quarterback who can step in and lead the team right away.
The coaching staff would likely target quarterbacks who have experience in a pro-style offense, as that would align with the playcalling style of offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. A strong arm, leadership qualities, and the ability to manage the game will be essential for any transfer quarterback to make an impact at Alabama.
4. The Wild Card: Alabama’s Stable of Backup Quarterbacks
While Ty Simpson and Eli Holstein are the most talked-about candidates for the starting job, it’s important to remember that Alabama has several other quarterbacks on the roster who could surprise in the competition. Quarterbacks like Tyler Buchner, a former Notre Dame transfer, or Jalen Milroe’s backup could all emerge as potential contenders if they show strong development during the offseason.
Buchner, in particular, was highly regarded as a potential future star when he transferred from Notre Dame, but injuries and inconsistent play have kept him from seeing significant action at Alabama. However, given the chance, he could challenge for the starting role if he shows improved mechanics and poise during spring camp.
Additionally, don’t count out the possibility of a wild card entering the mix. Alabama has been known to unearth quarterbacks from unexpected places, and the right mix of leadership, maturity, and skill could help any of the current backups make a push for the starting job.
5. What the Future Holds for Alabama’s Quarterback Situation
While the quarterback competition is sure to be heated in the coming months, one thing is clear: Alabama is in excellent hands, no matter who ultimately earns the starting role. With a loaded roster, a top-tier coaching staff, and an enviable recruiting pipeline, the Crimson Tide will have no shortage of talent at quarterback. Whether it’s Simpson, Holstein, a transfer, or a surprise backup, Alabama will continue to be one of the most dangerous teams in college football.
The key for Alabama will be the ability to develop whichever quarterback emerges as the starter into an effective leader for the offense. As seen with previous quarterbacks like Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide’s offense can be incredibly potent when led by a capable and confident quarterback.
It remains to be seen which of the candidates will emerge as the next great quarterback for Alabama, but the talent is undeniable. One thing is certain: the competition to lead Alabama’s offense will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the Crimson Tide prepare for the 2025 season.
