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Greg McElroy Names 'Guy To Beat' in Alabama's Intense QB Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 7:15 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a question to answer at quarterback as the 2025 college football season approaches.

Jalen Milroe is NFL bound, leaving a competition among redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and five-star signee Keelon Russell.

Simpson brings the most experience after backing up Milroe for the last two seasons. The former five-star has seen action in 16 games to date, completing 58% of his passes for 381 yards while adding 130 yards rushing with three touchdowns on the ground.

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy spoke highly of Simpson as the Tide continue spring practice, calling the 6-foot-2, 210-pound passer "the guy to beat."

“I am still of the belief that Ty Simpson is the guy to beat. Now, will he beat (the others out)? Will other guys elevate and beat (Simpson out)? Perhaps,” McElroy said via On3's "Andy and Ari" on Thursday.

Simpson was a contender for the starting role before Milroe's surge in 2023. Instead of looking for greener pastures in the transfer portal, Simpson has stuck it out and looks to be the frontrunner to earn the starting nod.

“Ty Simpson, I think if you would’ve asked me two years ago, I would’ve said he was the guy to beat because that was coming from the staff," McElroy said. "This guy, as a redshirt freshman, the staff all believed his skill set would’ve potentially put them in position to, if he played his best, be at their best offensively."

Alabama will probably look differently on offense regardless of who steps in at quarterback, as Milroe accounted for the most rushing yards on the team on top of his passing output.

The offensive minds of head coach Kalen DeBoer and new coordinator Ryan Grubb will play pivotal rolls in attempting to make up for the lost production.

The talent outside of the quarterback battle is promising. Wide receiver Ryan Williams returns after a Freshman All-American season alongside running back Jam Miller. Additionally, four starters return on the offensive line.

It wouldn't be surprise for DeBoer and Co. to delay the decision at quarterback and let Simpson, Mack and Russell continue to compete through spring practice and fall camp.

The Tide will open the 2025 season on the road at Florida State on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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