As Alabama football enters the 2025 season, the spotlight is squarely on the quarterback position—a lingering Achilles’ heel that derailed the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes in 2024. Despite a roster brimming with talent across the board, poor quarterback play was the single biggest factor that left Alabama on the outside looking in, relegated to a lackluster bowl game instead of competing for a national title.
Jalen Milroe, who helmed the offense last season, showcased flashes of brilliance but was ultimately unable to deliver consistent results. His struggles with decision-making and predictability in his play—exposed by Michigan in the Rose Bowl and mimicked by other teams—forced Alabama into a one-dimensional offense. While designed QB runs occasionally salvaged drives, the traditional running game faltered, largely due to defenses scheming to exploit Milroe’s weaknesses.
Milroe’s Departure and the Search for a Successor
The writing appears to be on the wall for Milroe. Whether he declares for the NFL Draft or enters the transfer portal, one thing seems certain: he won’t be Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2025. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan must now identify the quarterback who can elevate the offense and restore Alabama to championship contention.
The options are intriguing but fraught with uncertainty. Ty Simpson, entering his fourth year, faces a make-or-break spring to prove he’s capable of leading the team. Despite Milroe’s struggles, Simpson saw limited action in 2024, raising doubts about whether the coaching staff truly views him as a viable option.
Meanwhile, Washington transfer Austin Mack brings physical tools and system familiarity, having spent three years in a scheme similar to DeBoer’s. His brief appearance in the Mercer game showcased potential, but he remains unproven at the highest level.
Then there’s 5-star freshman Keelon Russell, whose raw talent and poise could make him an immediate contender. However, starting a freshman quarterback in such a high-stakes season would be a gamble, especially with DeBoer potentially coaching for his job in 2026 after another subpar season.
Portal Speculation and Rumored Targets
Amid the uncertainty, rumors swirl about Alabama potentially dipping into the transfer portal for a seasoned quarterback. Texas star Quinn Ewers, expected to enter the portal after the Longhorns’ season concludes, has been linked to Alabama in speculative reports. Ewers, a proven winner, would bring instant credibility to the position—but at what cost? Landing a player of his caliber would require significant financial investment, and Alabama has yet to show serious interest in top-tier portal quarterbacks.
Other names, like Washington State’s John Mateer or USC’s Miller Moss, have been floated as potential fits in DeBoer’s system. However, the Crimson Tide’s inactivity during the initial portal wave suggests they may be content with their current options—or waiting for the perfect opportunity.
A Season on the Brink
Regardless of who takes the reins, the stakes for Alabama in 2025 couldn’t be higher. The team’s defense, led by Kane Wommack, was a championship-caliber unit in 2024, ranking 10th nationally despite injuries and a young secondary. The wide receiver corps and running backs provided enough firepower to contend, but all of it was undermined by subpar quarterback play.
If Alabama can find a quarterback capable of executing DeBoer’s offense and avoiding the costly mistakes that plagued Milroe, the Crimson Tide could reclaim their spot among college football’s elite. If not, another disappointing season could leave DeBoer facing a hot seat in 2026—and Alabama’s once-dominant dynasty inching closer to irrelevance.
For now, all eyes are on Tuscaloosa as the quarterback saga unfolds. Will Alabama gamble on youth, trust its existing roster, or make a bold move in the transfer portal? One thing is clear: the future of Alabama football hinges on the answer.
Leave a Reply