Does Alabama Football Need a 2026 QB? Why New Jersey Four-Star is Considering the Crimson Tide

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Alabama’s football program finds itself in a familiar position—on the precipice of greatness. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has long been a powerhouse, with national championships and SEC titles becoming a staple of the program’s recent history. However, as the 2025 season draws nearer, the question of Alabama’s quarterback situation for the future is beginning to heat up, particularly with the upcoming recruiting classes.

One of the most intriguing prospects for the 2026 recruiting class is four-star quarterback from New Jersey, Jared Hall, who has been garnering significant attention from college football’s elite programs, including Alabama. As the Crimson Tide prepares for its future, it’s worth asking: does Alabama need a quarterback for the 2026 class? And why is a player like Hall considering Alabama as a possible destination for his college career?

Alabama’s Current Quarterback Depth

To fully understand why Alabama might be targeting a quarterback in the 2026 class, it’s important to first examine the team’s current quarterback depth. In 2025, the Crimson Tide will have Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner on the roster. Milroe, who was thrust into the starting role during the 2024 season, showcased moments of brilliance and inconsistency, making him a key player to watch as Alabama aims to compete for an SEC title.

Buchner, the transfer from Notre Dame, will be another critical piece of the puzzle. While his tenure at Notre Dame was marked by mixed results, he is seen as a capable backup with the experience needed to step in and lead if necessary. Both players will be key contributors for the 2025 season. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position beyond 2025. Both Milroe and Buchner are eligible for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season, and if one or both of them departs, Alabama will need to reload at the quarterback position.

This uncertainty makes the 2026 recruiting class particularly important for Alabama, as they will need to add a quarterback who can potentially step into a starting role sooner rather than later. That’s where Jared Hall comes into play.

The Appeal of Jared Hall

Jared Hall is one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Jersey City, New Jersey, has already made a name for himself with his impressive arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. He has been compared to some of the top quarterbacks in college football due to his ability to make throws from all areas of the field while also posing a serious threat as a runner.

Hall’s highlight reel is filled with plays where he showcases his ability to make accurate, deep throws while also evading pressure with ease. His physical tools are undeniable, and his football acumen is well beyond his years. While he’s still developing as a player, Hall’s potential is sky-high, and it’s no surprise that elite programs like Alabama are taking a long look at him.

Hall’s decision to consider Alabama, despite his wide array of offers from programs like Clemson, Ohio State, and Georgia, speaks volumes about the Crimson Tide’s continued relevance in recruiting. The opportunity to play under Nick Saban’s tutelage and potentially follow in the footsteps of legendary Alabama quarterbacks is an appealing proposition for any young quarterback.

Why Alabama Needs a 2026 Quarterback

As previously mentioned, Alabama’s quarterback situation for the 2026 season is uncertain. Milroe and Buchner will likely be gone after 2025, leaving a potential gap at the most crucial position on the field. While Alabama has solid quarterback recruits on the roster, including the highly-touted Eli Holstein (a 2024 recruit), there is a need for more depth in the quarterback room. Adding a top-tier quarterback like Jared Hall to the mix could ensure that the Crimson Tide are in good hands moving forward.

Alabama’s offense has been in flux in recent years, with the departure of star quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom have set the bar incredibly high for future signal-callers in Tuscaloosa. While Milroe showed promise in 2024, he will need to prove that he can consistently play at a high level to maintain Alabama’s status as a national title contender. If Milroe doesn’t meet those expectations, Alabama will be in the market for a fresh face to lead the offense in 2026 and beyond.

Quarterback Depth and Development

Alabama’s success has been built upon its ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize their potential. The program has a long history of producing elite quarterbacks who go on to have successful NFL careers, and the coaching staff has developed a reputation for turning raw talent into polished, efficient quarterbacks.

With a program like Alabama’s, there’s a sense that any quarterback who arrives in Tuscaloosa will be developed and coached up to play at the highest level. This is especially true under Nick Saban, who has surrounded himself with an elite coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who has a track record of developing quarterbacks into successful players.

Given this pedigree, it’s no surprise that a player like Jared Hall would seriously consider Alabama. The opportunity to play under Saban’s guidance and develop into a future NFL draft pick is too good to pass up for a quarterback with Hall’s skill set.

Why Jared Hall Is Considering Alabama

Jared Hall’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but it’s clear that he’s seriously considering Alabama for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why the Crimson Tide is in the mix for this highly-coveted prospect.

Nick Saban’s Legacy

At the forefront of Hall’s consideration is the legendary Nick Saban. Saban’s ability to consistently put his quarterbacks in a position to succeed is well-documented. Under his leadership, Alabama has produced elite quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Bryce Young (No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft) and Tua Tagovailoa (a former Heisman finalist and current starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins).

For Hall, the opportunity to play for Saban is incredibly appealing. Saban’s development of quarterbacks is one of the most successful in college football history, and Hall is no doubt looking at the long-term benefits of playing in a system that has consistently produced top-tier NFL talent.

Alabama’s Reputation for Winning

Alabama’s winning culture is another key factor in Hall’s recruitment. The Crimson Tide are consistently competing for national championships, and the program’s commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball is one of the strongest in the country. For Hall, the chance to be a part of such a successful program and potentially lead Alabama to further glory is an exciting opportunity.

In addition to the prestige of playing for a program with such a rich football history, Hall is also keenly aware of the national spotlight that comes with playing for Alabama. Quarterbacks who perform well at Alabama often see their draft stock skyrocket, and Hall is no doubt aware that playing at a high-profile program will increase his visibility to NFL scouts.

Alabama’s Offensive System

Under Tommy Rees, Alabama’s offense has evolved to be more quarterback-friendly. Rees, who has experience coaching at Notre Dame and other programs, brings a balanced offensive approach that allows for a strong passing game while also taking advantage of a quarterback’s mobility. Rees’ system would be a great fit for Hall, whose dual-threat capabilities would be maximized in an offense that values both the pass and the run.

The system’s emphasis on a smart, efficient quarterback who can manage the game while making key throws is another attractive component for Hall. Alabama’s offensive playbook offers a variety of opportunities for Hall to showcase his talents, whether it’s through play-action passes, quick throws, or improvising when necessary. This versatility in the offense would allow Hall to develop as both a pocket passer and a dynamic playmaker on the move.

Immediate Opportunity for Playing Time

While Alabama’s quarterback situation in 2025 and 2026 is still up in the air, Hall could see an opportunity to compete for the starting job as soon as he arrives on campus. If Milroe and Buchner are both gone after 2025, Hall could come in and potentially compete for the starting position, especially if he continues to develop at the rate he has shown during his high school career. The chance to play early in his career could be a major selling point for Hall, as he could be thrust into the spotlight with the eyes of the college football world on him.

Conclusion

As Alabama football prepares for its 2025 season and looks toward the future, the question of whether the program needs a 2026 quarterback is a valid one. With potential turnover at the quarterback position after the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide will likely need to bring in a highly talented quarterback to lead the team moving forward.

Jared Hall, a four-star quarterback from New Jersey, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class, and his interest in Alabama speaks volumes about the program’s continued appeal. With Nick Saban’s legacy, Alabama’s commitment to winning, and an offensive system that fits Hall’s skill set, the Crimson Tide could be the perfect landing spot for the talented signal-caller. As Hall continues his recruitment process, Alabama will be a program to watch as it looks to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class.