Why Alabama Football Does Not Need a Transfer Quarterback

The University of Alabama has long been a powerhouse in college football, particularly under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban. From the moment he took the helm in 2007, Alabama has established itself as a perennial contender for the national championship. Part of the reason for this sustained success has been the program’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent, not just on defense and the offensive line, but also at the quarterback position. In recent seasons, there has been speculation about whether Alabama needs to bring in a transfer quarterback to bolster its offense, especially following the departure of talented quarterbacks like Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. However, when examining the state of Alabama football and the quarterback room, it becomes clear that the program does not need a transfer quarterback to remain elite in the upcoming season.

The Strength of Alabama’s Quarterback Room

One of the primary reasons Alabama does not need a transfer quarterback is the talent already present in its quarterback room. As of 2025, the Crimson Tide boasts a group of capable quarterbacks who have been well-coached and prepared to step into the starting role.

Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe is arguably the most well-known quarterback in the Alabama quarterback room heading into the 2025 season. Milroe, a former 4-star recruit, has had limited but promising playing time in previous seasons, most notably stepping in for Bryce Young when he was injured during the 2022 season. Milroe has displayed impressive athleticism, a strong arm, and the ability to make plays with his legs, similar to past Alabama quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. While he may not have the same polished passing mechanics as some of the elite quarterbacks in college football, his athleticism and potential to improve as a passer make him a viable option as Alabama’s starting quarterback moving forward.

Milroe’s experience in big-game situations, including a notable performance against Texas A&M in 2022, shows that he can handle the pressure of playing in the SEC. Under the tutelage of Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Milroe has had ample time to refine his skills and can be expected to take the next step as a more complete quarterback. This development is crucial because Alabama’s offense needs to be versatile and dynamic in order to contend for a national title.

Ty Simpson

Another highly-touted quarterback in Alabama’s roster is Ty Simpson, a former 5-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in his recruiting class. Simpson enrolled at Alabama in 2023 and quickly demonstrated his strong arm, accuracy, and football IQ. He is widely regarded as one of the top young quarterbacks in college football, and although he has not yet started a game for Alabama, his potential is undeniable.

Simpson’s high school career in Tennessee showcased his ability to make all the throws, with impressive highlights that included deep passes, quick releases, and the ability to throw on the move. His development in the Alabama system will be key to his future success, and given the program’s track record of developing quarterbacks, Simpson is poised to compete for the starting job in the coming years.

Other Quarterback Options

In addition to Milroe and Simpson, Alabama also has several other quarterbacks on its roster, including freshmen and other players who have shown potential in practice. While they may not be as experienced or highly regarded as Milroe and Simpson, the depth of talent within the program provides Alabama with a range of options for the future. This depth should also allow Saban and his coaching staff to develop quarterbacks who are capable of competing at a high level without the need to turn to the transfer portal.

The Developmental Success of Nick Saban’s System

Nick Saban is one of the most successful college football coaches of all time, and much of that success can be attributed to his ability to develop talent within his system. Over the years, Saban has developed a reputation for getting the most out of his players, particularly at the quarterback position. The list of quarterbacks who have thrived under Saban’s leadership includes elite names like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones, all of whom were able to elevate their play under his guidance.

Alabama’s quarterback development system is one of the best in the country, and it has produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks on a consistent basis. The program emphasizes not just physical attributes like arm strength and mobility, but also mental attributes such as decision-making, leadership, and poise under pressure. For instance, Mac Jones, who was not considered a highly-recruited prospect, went on to have a stellar career at Alabama, culminating in a first-round draft selection by the New England Patriots. This success story is a testament to the effectiveness of Saban’s developmental system.

Alabama’s success at quarterback is not reliant on bringing in immediate-impact transfers. Instead, it relies on its ability to recruit talented quarterbacks, nurture their skills over time, and prepare them to be effective leaders both on and off the field. With the existing talent in the quarterback room and the program’s track record of developing quarterbacks, it is unnecessary for Alabama to turn to the transfer portal.

The SEC’s Changing Landscape

Another important factor to consider when discussing whether Alabama needs a transfer quarterback is the changing landscape of the SEC. The conference has seen an increasing number of talented quarterbacks enter the league in recent years, and the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever. With the rise of other programs like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, there is a heightened emphasis on having a proven, dynamic quarterback to lead the offense.

While Alabama has historically relied on a balanced approach with a strong running game and a dominant defense, the changing nature of college football means that the Crimson Tide must be able to keep up with high-scoring offenses. However, Alabama is not necessarily in a position where it needs to go outside its program to find a quarterback who can meet these demands. The internal talent, including Milroe and Simpson, is more than capable of competing at the highest level within the SEC.

Additionally, with the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape affecting college football recruitment, it’s becoming harder for programs to land elite transfer quarterbacks who can instantly make an impact. Many of the top quarterbacks are now more likely to stay at their original programs, where they can establish a long-term presence and maximize their earning potential. This makes the decision to pursue a transfer quarterback even more difficult, as many programs will be vying for the few available stars.

Building a Championship Culture

At Alabama, the focus is not solely on individual talent but also on building a cohesive and unified team culture. The Crimson Tide have always prided themselves on their ability to develop players and create a championship-winning environment. This emphasis on team over individual accolades has been a hallmark of Nick Saban’s success.

Bringing in a transfer quarterback may disrupt this culture, as it could create a sense of instability within the team. While transfer quarterbacks have the potential to contribute immediately, they may not fully integrate into the team’s existing dynamics and philosophy. Alabama has always been known for its stable, consistent approach, and maintaining that stability is crucial to sustaining success.

By developing quarterbacks within the program, Alabama ensures that its quarterbacks are fully aligned with the team’s values and systems. This internal development fosters leadership, trust, and continuity, all of which are essential for competing at the highest level.