The Alabama Crimson Tide is ripping through spring practice, and as is to be expected, the main narrative so far from fans and media has been the quarterback battle and who could be the starting signal caller when week one arrives.

Following the first scrimmage of the spring last week, head coach Kalen DeBoer shed light on a competition brewing at a position where the team struggled last year: placekicker.

Last year’s starter Conor Talty — who struggled early but hit clutch kicks down the stretch — and Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn are the two up for the job, and DeBoer was very honest in saying Talty will have to earn his job back.

“When you bring in someone else, it’s open competition,” DeBoer said on Quinn’s presence. “It’s pretty obvious to Conor that that’s the case. What I love about Conor is that he didn’t shy away from it. He decided to stay here. He knew he could of had plenty of time to leave if he wanted to. He wanted to. He wanted to stay here. He’s got it in him. Just continue to battle and you know, like that competition there and I like we’re going to be good. I know we’re gonna be good, no matter who it is and whoever wins out because both of them have a pretty high ceiling.”

Quinn — a native of Northern Ireland — made 21 of his 26 field goals for Marshall last season including 5-for-5 from between 40 and 49 yards as well as going 4-for-6 from 50+ yards including a 55-yard make.

Talty, meanwhile, was just 16-for-23 overall and missed multiple kicks less than 30 yards.

It sounds like both players are performing well and will make this a difficult decision for DeBoer as he tries to strengthen a spot that was a weakness for this team in 2025.

It seems the kicker battle is one worth monitoring over the coming months.