Alabama’s quarterback battle is one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the 2025 season. After one week of spring practice, it’s clear that the competition is still wide open, with each contender showing promise, but also areas where they must improve. The battle between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell is just beginning, and the outcome of this competition will have a significant impact on Alabama’s success this season.
Ty Simpson: A Familiar Face with Room to Grow
Ty Simpson entered Alabama as a highly regarded recruit, and while he has yet to claim the starting spot, he’s been around long enough to understand the intricacies of Alabama’s offense. Simpson, who redshirted his first season in 2023, got his first real taste of playing time last year. While his reps were limited, his performance showed flashes of his potential. In spring practice, Simpson is looking to build on that experience and take the next step in his development.
Simpson is often described as a well-rounded quarterback with good mobility, a strong arm, and solid decision-making skills. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is one of his strengths, which could play well in a system that values quick thinking and execution. However, there are still areas where Simpson needs to improve, particularly in his consistency. Some observers have noted that Simpson’s performance in practice can vary from impressive to inconsistent, and he will need to eliminate the highs and lows to be successful.
Another challenge Simpson faces is the pressure of having to prove himself after Alabama’s recent quarterback success. With the departure of Jalen Milroe and the lack of a clear favorite among the remaining quarterbacks, the starting job is up for grabs, and Simpson will need to be at his best to stand out. While his experience with the playbook and the team’s offensive philosophy gives him a leg up, Simpson will have to show his poise under pressure, especially when it comes to performing in front of the large crowds and high expectations that come with being Alabama’s starting quarterback.
One factor working in Simpson’s favor is his relationship with the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer have both spoken highly of Simpson’s leadership and work ethic. Grubb, who has been a key part of the offensive game planning, has noted that Simpson’s understanding of the offense gives him an edge in terms of execution. However, it’s clear that Simpson will need to demonstrate more consistency if he’s to secure the starting role.
Austin Mack: A Transfer with Physical Tools and High Expectations
Austin Mack’s arrival at Alabama has generated a lot of excitement. Standing 6’6″ and weighing in at 236 pounds, Mack is a physically imposing quarterback with all the physical tools to succeed at the highest level. He’s been described as having a cannon for an arm, with the ability to make all the throws necessary to run a dynamic offense. However, his challenge in spring practice will be translating his potential into consistent performance on the field.
Mack transferred to Alabama after spending a season at the University of Washington, where he was redshirted as a freshman. He has only limited game experience at the collegiate level, having played sparingly for Washington, but his size and arm strength have earned him attention from the Alabama coaching staff. Given that Alabama has had a series of successful quarterbacks in recent years, Mack’s arrival represents a potential shift to a more physically dominant style of play, reminiscent of past quarterbacks like Jay Barker or Brodie Croyle, who excelled in a traditional pocket-passing system.
The key question surrounding Mack is his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of Alabama’s offense. Mack has yet to be tested at the SEC level, and spring practice will be a critical period for him to prove he can handle the pressure of being the starting quarterback for a team with national championship aspirations. His raw talent is undeniable, but Mack will need to prove he can make quick decisions, read defenses, and manage the game effectively under the bright lights of Alabama football.
Coaches have praised Mack’s progress since arriving in Tuscaloosa, and his development will be crucial during the remainder of spring practices. Although Mack has the physical tools to thrive, he must continue to refine his skills and demonstrate that he can perform when it matters most.
Keelon Russell: The Freshman with Star Potential
Keelon Russell, a five-star recruit from the Class of 2025, brings excitement to Alabama’s quarterback room with his elite talent. Russell is a dual-threat quarterback who excels both in the air and on the ground, and his ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm gives him a unique skill set that could provide Alabama with a dynamic offensive weapon.
At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, Russell has the ideal frame for a modern quarterback, combining athleticism and power with strong mechanics as a passer. His high school tape showed flashes of brilliance, as he displayed accuracy on deep throws, mobility in the pocket, and an ability to evade pressure. There’s no doubt that Russell has the physical tools to compete at the highest level, but his transition to college football will require some adjustment.
The biggest question surrounding Russell is how quickly he can adapt to the speed and complexity of college football. Spring practice will be a huge opportunity for Russell to show his coaches that he can handle the demands of SEC play. While his athleticism is impressive, he will need to refine his decision-making and develop his understanding of Alabama’s offense, which is known for its pro-style complexity. This will be a key focus for him as he competes with more experienced quarterbacks like Simpson and Mack for the starting job.
What Russell brings to the table is an element of unpredictability. While Simpson and Mack have more experience, Russell’s raw talent and potential make him a sleeper in this quarterback competition. If he can show that he’s capable of handling the pressure, there’s a real possibility that he could emerge as the starter by the time the 2025 season begins.
The Impact of Offensive Line and Receivers on the Quarterbacks
The quarterback position doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and the success of the signal-caller is often dependent on the performance of the supporting cast. In Alabama’s case, the offensive line and wide receiver corps will play crucial roles in determining which quarterback emerges as the starter.
Alabama’s offensive line has seen significant changes in recent seasons, and spring practice will give coaches an opportunity to experiment with different lineups to ensure the best protection for the quarterbacks. Players like Jaeden Roberts and Parker Brailsford have taken on leadership roles, and the addition of newcomers like Casey Poe and Olaus Alinen could bolster the offensive line depth. A solid offensive line is critical to giving the quarterbacks time to survey the field and make confident decisions.
The wide receivers are another important factor in the quarterback battle. Alabama’s receiving corps is loaded with talent, including veterans like Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, as well as young talents like Isaiah Horton and Jalen Hale. Having a reliable group of receivers who can create separation and make big plays will give the quarterbacks the opportunity to succeed. If the quarterbacks can establish chemistry with the receiving corps, it will significantly enhance their chances of winning the starting job.
What Lies Ahead in the QB Battle?
As spring practice continues, the competition between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell will heat up. The next few weeks will be crucial for each quarterback as they look to prove they are the best option for Alabama’s offense. While Simpson has the advantage of experience, Mack’s physical tools and Russell’s raw potential mean that the competition will likely go down to the wire.
Ultimately, Alabama’s coaching staff will be looking for the quarterback who can lead the offense with poise, consistency, and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure. Whether it’s Simpson’s familiarity with the system, Mack’s potential to dominate with his arm, or Russell’s exciting dual-threat ability, each quarterback brings a different set of strengths to the table. The key for the coaching staff will be to evaluate each quarterback’s performance in live situations and determine which player gives them the best chance to win games in the SEC and beyond.
The quarterback battle will continue to evolve, and fans can expect plenty of twists and turns as the 2025 season approaches. Whether it’s Ty Simpson claiming the starting role due to his experience, Austin Mack emerging as the physical force the team needs, or Keelon Russell stepping up as the next star of Alabama football, it’s clear that the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa will be one of the most captivating storylines in college football this spring.
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