Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer gestures during a timeout in the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer Makes His Thoughts Crystal Clear on Alabama’s Starting QB Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 16, 2025 5:49 PM ET

The leading question throughout the offseason regarding the Alabama Crimson Tide has been which quarterback will eventually emerge as the team's starter.

Coaching in the shadow of Nick Saban, there are lofty expectations placed upon Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. He appeared on "The Next Round," an SEC-centric podcast, to discuss the latest with the college football powerhouse.

When asked point-blank about the Tide's starting quarterback battle and if he's 100% confident about Ty Simpson starting in Week 1, the 50-year-old coach spoke plainly about the team's approach to its quarterback room.

"We'll continue to let those guys compete through fall camp. ... If we played a game today, Ty (Simpson) has made a lot of progress in the 15 practices we had there (in spring)," said DeBoer.

"We also want to give those other guys an opportunity to keep pushing and competing for the spot. As a whole group, I want to word it carefully, the whole group still needs to be better for us to accomplish what we need to, including in Week 1 against Florida State. I'm pleased with how they've made strides, starting with Ty, I'm pleased with what he's doing. They all need to keep taking those steps forward in the weeks ahead."

While Simpson appears to be penciled in as the team's starter, it's anyone's ball game between Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

The Crimson Tide leaned heavily over the last two seasons on quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Seattle Seahawks' third-round pick last month. The program is looking for someone to step up under center, but that's the difficult thing about Alabama: Every year, there will be competition at every position, including quarterback.

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

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