Kalen DeBoer describes Alabama quarterback room entering 2025

Alabama will have a new quarterback under center in 2025 following Jalen Milroe‘s decision to turn pro this offseason.

The Crimson Tide head coach admitted there isn’t a lot of experience in the room, which is comprised of former five-star recruit Ty Simpson, who has seen some time under center in the past couple of years. He’s joined by former Washington transfer Austin Mack, and Five-Star Plus+ prospect and incoming true freshman Keelon Russell.

“Probably the biggest thing is there’s just not a lot of snaps that have been taken on a college football field,” DeBoer said. “But I also feel like the skillset’s there, there’s very strong strengths that we have and excited about them being similar in a lot of ways.

“Of course, everyone’s different. They’ve got the things that they bring to the table. But they all three just work together, and that’s really led to workouts already that they’re running that sound like they’ve been very efficient and got a lot of work done. I’m excited about what they all bring to the table. Can’t wait to get back on campus here in February and work with them.”

Mack completed 2 of his 3 passes for 39 yards and a touchdown last season. Elsewhere in the quarterback room, there is major intrigue in what Russell can bring to the table. Unless DeBoer brings in another name in the spring transfer window, those three are the ones set to compete for the job.

For Simpson, he may be considered the favorite to win the job heading into spring camp. He’s the most experienced of the three quarterbacks having played three seasons so far in Tuscaloosa. Simpson has 381 career passing yards and is a threat in the rushing game, totaling three touchdowns on the ground in the past two seasons.

“You certainly appreciate what he’s done,” DeBoer said of Simpson. “Just continued to work on what he can control, and that’s himself. Continued to build relationships to get ready for this chance that he has right in front of him. To not just step up as a leader because I think he’s been doing that, but to have that opportunity to step in and be the quarterback.”

For now, DeBoer is set to spend a little time in Mobile, AL at the Reese’s Senior Bowl to check out Jalen Milroe, alongside teammates in tight end C.J. Dippre, defensive lineman Tim Smith and punter James Burnip.

Kickoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET live on the NFL Network.