Nick Saban updates quarterback progress ahead of 2023 spring game

All indications point toward Alabama‘s starting quarterback position coming down to Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson when fall camp rolls around.

With spring training wrapping up and the annual spring game around the corner, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban revealed the progress of the two talented gunslingers have made through the early offseason.

“I think both guys have made really good progress. We’re not dissapointed in anybody’s progress. Both guys played well during the scrimmage,” Saban said Wednesday afternoon. “Both guys have had their moments in practice and they’ve both had learning opportunities when they make mistakes. Both have responded very well and have made improvements.

“There’s really no evaluation other than we’re coaching every one of the four of the quarterbacks we have in our program everyday to be the best players they can be. We’re going to continue to do that and hopefully those will continue to have the right attitude about trying to play winning football at the position.”

Aside from Milroe and Simpson, Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan are both incoming four-star recruits occupying the third and fourth spots on the Crimson Tide QB depth chart. They are both top-13 QBs in the 2023 cycle, per the On3 Industry Rankings, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

While Holstein and Lonergan are honing their skills in the background, Milroe and Simpson are going toe-to-toe this offseason. Milroe has more experience than Simpson. He started and won a game against Texas A&M this past season when former QB1 Bryce Young went down with an injury.

Still, Simpson is a former five-star recruit and the fanbase is high on that ranking. Heading into his second season in Tuscaloosa, he might be lacking experience but the intangibles — and hype — is there.

“I think Jalen does have some experience,” Saban said earlier this spring. “But it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. So, it’s a competition and both guys need to do the things that they need to do to improve. Both guys have had a great attitude so far. We’re excited about what we can do to help them do that.”

Fans can determine which player they prefer for themselves when the duo takes to the field for Alabama’s annual spring game on Saturday, April 22. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. CT inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.