The Alabama Crimson Tide has a quarterback battle going in the national spotlight as spring camp has concluded and we move closer to the summer which will eventually give way to fall camp.
Though we know who the favorite is at this point with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb revealing this week that Ty Simpson would be the starter if there was a game this week, that does not mean he has won the job or doesn’t have more left to prove to the staff over the coming few months.
Simpson will have to fend off not only Austin Mack — who came over from Washington with Kalen DeBoer last winter — but also incoming elite five-star freshman Keelon Russell.
There is no question from anyone inside or outside the building as to whether or not Russell is the future of the program, but whether or not he is also the present remains to be seen.
During an appearance with The Next Round, DeBoer talked about all three options and why the battle is as hotly contested as it is:
“It’s a healthy competition because their character is elite.” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer on the quarterback battle between Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack pic.twitter.com/lUn9SSTIII
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) April 18, 2025
“It’s fun when you have guys that are quality both as a player and especially as a person,” DeBoer said when asked about having a true open competition this year as opposed to last. “These guys have their best football ahead of them…[all three of Simpson, Mack, and Russell] are a pleasure to be around whether it’s on the football field, in the hallways, in the cafeteria…it’s fun seeing these guys grow. It’s a healthy competition because their character is elite. Ty is the one that’s the elder statesman here as far as experience in the program, but the others have done a great job of competing and pushing him daily as well.”
Hearing DeBoer talk openly about the state of the competition and confirm what everyone knows about Simpson being in pole position for now is eye opening.
If the competition were closer, they would likely keep things closer to the chest as well.
Barring a seismic summer showing from Russell in which he is simply too good to be kept off the field, Simpson will be given any and every opportunity to win the job.
