The Alabama Crimson Tide’s quarterback competition for the 2025 college football season remains one of the most highly anticipated storylines for the team and fans alike. As the team enters this critical season, the question of who will take the reins at quarterback is as prominent as ever. With an influx of talent in the recruiting class, transfers, and the continued development of returning players, Alabama’s quarterback situation promises to be an evolving narrative throughout the offseason and into the fall. Given Alabama’s rich history of elite quarterbacks and its competitive culture, the battle for the starting position is expected to be intense and consequential for the future of the program.
The Alabama Quarterback Legacy
Before diving into the specifics of the 2025 quarterback competition, it’s important to first reflect on the storied legacy of Alabama’s quarterbacks over the years. Historically, Alabama has been known for a dominant, run-heavy offense, often relying on its defense and power running game to secure victories. However, the past two decades have seen the evolution of Alabama into a balanced team that thrives in the air as much as it does on the ground. This transition began in earnest with quarterbacks like Greg McElroy, who led Alabama to a national championship in 2009, and continued with players like AJ McCarron, who brought stability and success to the position during the early 2010s.
In more recent years, quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones have raised the bar even further. Tua’s electrifying play and his iconic game-winning touchdown pass in the 2018 National Championship Game are etched into Alabama’s football history. Similarly, Mac Jones’ performance during the 2020 season, which culminated in a national title, solidified Alabama’s place among the elite offenses in college football.
The bar is set high for whoever takes the starting quarterback job in 2025, and the competition will likely be shaped by not only the needs of the offense but also by the continued evolution of the program under head coach Nick Saban. The quarterback position at Alabama is expected to be a key point of focus as the Crimson Tide strives to stay atop the college football world.
The 2025 QB Competition
Alabama’s quarterback competition for the 2025 season appears to be wide open, with several candidates vying for the coveted role. These players bring different skill sets and strengths to the table, and how they develop through the spring and summer will determine who ultimately emerges as the starter. Let’s take a closer look at the main contenders for the job.
Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Quarterback
Jalen Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, has already seen significant playing time at Alabama, which gives him an edge in terms of experience. Milroe’s ability to run the football as well as throw it downfield gives Alabama’s offense a versatile dimension that can be hard to replicate. However, Milroe’s passing ability has been a point of scrutiny in his previous appearances. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his consistency as a passer has been questioned, particularly in terms of accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Milroe’s running ability, though, is undeniable. He’s demonstrated the capability to break off long runs and create explosive plays when the pocket collapses. This skill set could make him a dangerous weapon in offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ system. Rees, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2023, could lean into Milroe’s mobility and playmaking ability, similar to how he used dual-threat quarterbacks during his time at Notre Dame.
Milroe’s development as a passer will be crucial to his chances of securing the starting role in 2025. If he can refine his throwing mechanics and become more consistent with his deep ball and accuracy, Milroe could be the perfect fit for Alabama’s offense, and he may emerge as the starting quarterback.
Ty Simpson: The Rising Star
Ty Simpson is a former 5-star recruit who has garnered plenty of attention from both coaches and fans. Simpson’s high school resume speaks for itself, with his arm strength, mobility, and football IQ drawing comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in the nation. In his limited appearances during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Simpson showcased the ability to make all the throws required in an elite offense.
Simpson has the prototypical skill set of a pocket passer but also possesses the ability to make plays with his legs when needed. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes has many people within the program excited about his potential. Although he has not yet been the full-time starter, Simpson’s growth as a player over the next offseason will be critical in his push for the starting position in 2025.
One area where Simpson has been praised is his ability to run a fast-paced offense, an element that Alabama could look to incorporate more as they continue to adjust to the changing dynamics of modern college football. He could be a good fit for an offense that emphasizes tempo, spacing, and exploiting mismatches. His development in the offseason will be crucial to determine whether he can push past Milroe and secure the job.
Elite 2025 Freshmen: Incoming Talent
While Milroe and Simpson are the frontrunners in the competition, Alabama has also recruited a highly talented group of quarterbacks who will be arriving on campus for the 2025 season. Among these newcomers is a highly ranked true freshman who has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class includes a top-tier quarterback prospect who may provide strong competition for Milroe and Simpson. Freshmen quarterbacks often face the challenge of adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football, but Alabama has a history of developing young quarterbacks who have been able to contribute early in their careers. If the incoming freshman is able to pick up the system quickly and impress during spring and fall camp, there is always the possibility that Nick Saban could hand him the reins to the offense, as he has done in the past with Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young.
The freshman quarterback’s chance to start will ultimately depend on his ability to learn the system, gain the trust of the coaching staff, and show he can handle the pressure of playing for a team with national championship aspirations. While it’s unlikely a freshman would leapfrog both Milroe and Simpson, Alabama’s history suggests it’s not out of the question.
The Impact of Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees
The arrival of Tommy Rees as Alabama’s offensive coordinator has already had a significant impact on the team’s offensive philosophy. Rees, who has experience working with a variety of quarterbacks, will likely tailor his system to the strengths of the quarterback that emerges as the starter. This means that the way each candidate is evaluated could be influenced by their compatibility with Rees’ offensive vision.
Rees has worked with quarterbacks of different styles, including traditional pocket passers like Ian Book at Notre Dame and more mobile quarterbacks like Jack Coan. His ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players will be key in determining how the quarterback competition plays out. If Rees values mobility and the ability to create off-schedule plays, Milroe may be the frontrunner. If he prefers a more traditional drop-back passer who can make precise throws, Simpson or the incoming freshman may be better suited for the role.
Alabama’s offense will likely be balanced, but the overall approach to play-calling and game management will play a crucial role in shaping how each quarterback’s abilities are utilized. Rees’ ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks will be closely watched throughout the season.
