The 5 Fiercest Alabama Quarterback Battles of the Last 25 Years

The University of Alabama football program, one of the most storied programs in college football history, has seen a number of high-profile quarterback battles over the last 25 years. From the 1990s to the present, Alabama’s quarterback position has often been at the center of intense competition, shaping the future of the team and determining the direction of its offense. These battles, often involving highly-touted recruits and seasoned veterans, have sparked debates among fans and coaches alike.

Alabama’s rich football legacy includes numerous national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL draft picks. But one constant throughout the years has been the scrutiny surrounding the quarterback position. From the days of legendary coach Gene Stallings to the rise of Nick Saban, Alabama’s quarterback position has often been a hotbed for competition. Some seasons featured calm and smooth transitions, while others brought about intense and hard-fought battles for the starting role. Let’s dive into five of the fiercest quarterback battles at Alabama in the last quarter-century.

1. Greg McElroy vs. Star Jackson (2009)

In 2009, Alabama’s quarterback position became a topic of significant attention, not just because of the talent on the roster but because of the team’s impending national championship aspirations. The battle between Greg McElroy and Star Jackson represented the transition from Alabama’s reliance on a powerful running game to an offense that would lean more on its quarterback to move the ball effectively.

The Contenders

• Greg McElroy was the unheralded option coming into the competition. A former backup quarterback with limited experience, McElroy had a background that wasn’t as flashy as his competition, but he was known for his intelligence, decision-making, and poise under pressure. He didn’t have the cannon arm that many fans might have hoped for, but he had a mind for the game and the ability to execute Nick Saban’s meticulous offensive scheme.
• Star Jackson, on the other hand, was a highly-touted recruit who came to Alabama with considerable fanfare. A dual-threat quarterback, Jackson had the athleticism to break free from the pocket and make plays with his legs. He was considered a promising option for a program that had relied more heavily on a running game, and many thought his ability to add an element of unpredictability to the offense could be a game-changer.

The Battle

The competition between McElroy and Jackson was marked by its sharp contrast in style. While Jackson had the physical tools, McElroy had the mental sharpness and leadership abilities to earn the starting job. Although both quarterbacks received significant playing time during the preseason, McElroy emerged as the starter for the 2009 season opener against Virginia Tech. Jackson, while showing flashes of potential, struggled with consistency and making the best decisions on the field.

What made the competition so intense was the high stakes of Alabama’s season. With a loaded roster and high expectations, the quarterback who led the team would be expected to steer the offense toward a national championship. McElroy’s calm, steady leadership in games like the huge win over LSU and the national title game against Texas solidified his place in history as Alabama’s starter, while Jackson’s career at Alabama ultimately fizzled out.

Outcome

Greg McElroy won the battle and led Alabama to an undefeated season and a national championship. His ability to manage the game without making costly mistakes was a key factor in Alabama’s success. McElroy’s performance during the 2009 season was not flashy but was exactly what the team needed in its quest for a national title. Star Jackson, on the other hand, transferred from Alabama after the 2009 season, unable to unseat McElroy as the starting quarterback.

2. AJ McCarron vs. Phillip Sims (2011)

The battle between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims in 2011 is one of the most talked-about quarterback competitions in Alabama history, mostly because of the stakes involved. The program had just come off a national championship in 2009 and was poised to make another run at the title. At the heart of the battle was the challenge of replacing Greg McElroy, who had completed his career with a national championship and was a steadying force for Alabama’s offense.

The Contenders

• AJ McCarron, a highly recruited quarterback from Mobile, Alabama, was known for his poise and accuracy as a passer. He had played sparingly behind McElroy in the 2010 season and had shown flashes of potential. McCarron had the ability to throw deep and had a better arm than McElroy, but questions remained about his ability to lead a championship-caliber team.
• Phillip Sims, on the other hand, was a freshman who arrived in Tuscaloosa with a lot of hype. The dual-threat quarterback was highly regarded as one of the top signal-callers in his recruiting class. Sims had the tools to be a dynamic quarterback in Alabama’s pro-style offense, but his rawness and inexperience were concerns for the coaching staff.

The Battle

The competition between McCarron and Sims was intense throughout the spring and fall camps of 2011. McCarron was the favorite to win the starting job because of his experience and solid performances as a backup, but Sims’ raw talent and upside made it a tough decision for Nick Saban. The coaching staff split the first-team reps during the spring and summer, trying to give both quarterbacks equal opportunities to prove themselves.

In the end, McCarron’s experience, leadership, and consistency earned him the starting role for the 2011 season opener against Kent State. Despite some early struggles, McCarron grew into the role and played a key part in Alabama’s 2011 national championship run. Phillip Sims, after spending much of the season as a backup, transferred to Virginia after the year in search of more playing time.

Outcome

AJ McCarron’s steady development and leadership throughout the 2011 season helped lead Alabama to another national championship. His performance in the title game against LSU, where he managed the game effectively and made key throws, solidified his place as the starter. Sims, who many had expected to challenge McCarron for the job, transferred after one season and went on to have a solid career at Virginia.

3. Blake Sims vs. Jacob Coker (2014)

One of the more dramatic quarterback battles in recent memory was the 2014 competition between Blake Sims and Jacob Coker. This battle was not just about the on-field competition; it was also about Nick Saban’s evolving philosophy on offense. In 2014, Alabama was transitioning to a more up-tempo, spread offense, and the quarterback battle would play a significant role in determining the team’s offensive identity moving forward.

The Contenders

• Blake Sims was a senior who had spent much of his career as a backup quarterback. Known more for his athleticism and versatility, Sims had never started a game for Alabama before 2014. However, his mobility, leadership, and ability to make plays with his legs made him a strong contender for the job. Sims also had a powerful arm and was capable of stretching the field with deep passes.
• Jacob Coker, a transfer from Florida State, was a former 5-star recruit who had not won the starting job at Florida State despite his impressive physical tools. Coker came to Alabama with the reputation of being a potential game-changer. A prototypical pocket passer with a strong arm, Coker was seen by many as the ideal candidate to run Alabama’s offense, especially after the team had used a more run-heavy attack in previous seasons.

The Battle

The competition between Sims and Coker was heated throughout the offseason. Early in camp, many observers expected Coker to be the front-runner due to his pedigree and strong arm. However, Sims impressed the coaching staff with his leadership and ability to execute the up-tempo offense. Saban was initially hesitant to hand Sims the starting job, but as the season opener against West Virginia approached, it became clear that Sims would be the starter.

The decision to start Sims over Coker was controversial, given Coker’s physical talent and the expectations surrounding his transfer. The two quarterbacks continued to battle throughout the season, with Sims holding onto the job despite Coker’s ability to step in at times when needed. The battle was never fully resolved, and the question of whether Coker could have led the team to a national title remained a topic of debate for many.

Outcome

Blake Sims, despite his critics, led Alabama to the SEC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2014. He had a standout season, passing for over 3,400 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, after a loss to Ohio State in the semifinals, Sims’ future in Tuscaloosa was uncertain, and Coker eventually became the starter in 2015, leading the team to the national championship game. Coker’s development and eventual success under center demonstrated the significance of the competition in shaping Alabama’s quarterback future.

4. Jalen Hurts vs. Tua Tagovailoa (2017-2018)

The battle between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa in 2017-2018 became legendary, not only for its intensity but also for the dramatic shift in Alabama’s offensive approach under Nick Saban. Hurts, the incumbent starter, was a dual-threat quarterback who had led Alabama to a national championship game in his freshman season. Tagovailoa, on the other hand, was a highly recruited true freshman with a dynamic arm and a different style of play that many felt was better suited to Alabama’s evolving offensive needs.

The Contenders

• Jalen Hurts was a former SEC Offensive Player of the Year and a dual-threat quarterback who had led Alabama to a 26-2 record during his first two years in Tuscaloosa. Hurts’ ability to make plays with his legs and his leadership qualities made him a fan favorite, and many believed he was the best option for Alabama’s offense moving forward.
• Tua Tagovailoa was the more traditional pocket passer with elite arm talent. Coming off a sensational high school career in Hawaii, Tagovailoa was known for his accuracy, poise, and ability to throw deep. Many fans and analysts believed Tagovailoa’s style of play could open up the Alabama offense in ways Hurts’ dual-threat style could not.

The Battle

The competition started in the summer of 2017 and carried over into the regular season. Hurts had been Alabama’s starting quarterback throughout the 2016 season and into the 2017 season, but the whispers about Tagovailoa’s potential were loud. Despite Hurts’ success, Saban could not ignore the incredible potential that Tagovailoa offered.

The turning point came during the 2017 national championship game against Georgia, when Hurts struggled and was replaced by Tagovailoa at halftime. Tagovailoa’s dramatic performance, which included leading Alabama to a thrilling overtime victory, seemed to seal the fate of the quarterback position. However, Saban remained tight-lipped about who would start in 2018, as both quarterbacks brought something valuable to the table.

Outcome

Tua Tagovailoa won the starting job for the 2018 season and led Alabama to an undefeated regular season. Hurts, despite losing the starting job, remained an important leader for the team. The two quarterbacks would share playing time during the 2018 season, but Tagovailoa’s dynamic playmaking ability gave him the edge.

Hurts transferred to Oklahoma after the 2018 season, where he would go on to become a Heisman finalist. Tagovailoa, meanwhile, became one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football before eventually being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

5. Bryce Young vs. Paul Tyson (2020)

The most recent high-profile quarterback battle at Alabama came in 2020 between Bryce Young and Paul Tyson. With Tua Tagovailoa leaving for the NFL, Alabama faced the challenge of replacing one of its most successful quarterbacks in recent history. Bryce Young, a 5-star recruit, was the presumed heir apparent, but Tyson, a former 4-star recruit and the great-grandson of legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, also had his share of supporters.

The Contenders

• Bryce Young was a highly-touted recruit out of California who had dazzled during his time at Mater Dei High School. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, poise under pressure, and athleticism, Young was viewed as the next big thing in Alabama football. However, he had limited experience behind Tua Tagovailoa during the 2019 season.
• Paul Tyson was seen as a more traditional pocket passer with a strong arm and a legacy at Alabama. Despite his family connection to the program, Tyson was still a bit of an unknown at the college level, having played only a few snaps in garbage time during the 2019 season.

The Battle

Despite Tyson’s pedigree, Bryce Young quickly separated himself from the pack during fall camp. His maturity, quick decision-making, and ability to execute Alabama’s offense with precision gave him the edge. By the start of the 2020 season, Young was named the starting quarterback, and his performance throughout the year confirmed the hype surrounding him.

Outcome

Bryce Young emerged as one of the brightest young quarterbacks in college football. His performance in the 2020 season and his development into a Heisman Trophy winner in 2021 solidified his place as one of Alabama’s most important quarterbacks in recent history.

The quarterback battles at Alabama over the last 25 years have been some of the fiercest and most consequential in college football. From the early days of Greg McElroy’s steady leadership to the more recent duels between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, these battles have shaped the direction of the Alabama program and have often led to national championships. Each competition told a unique story of talent, leadership, and the pressure that comes with being the signal-caller for one of the most successful programs in college football history.