As the Alabama Crimson Tide gears up for the 2025 college football season, the quarterback competition remains one of the most critical storylines surrounding the program. The University of Alabama football team, historically known for its dominance and national championship pedigree under head coach Nick Saban, is currently undergoing a significant shift at the quarterback position. With the departure of star quarterback Bryce Young, who left for the NFL following a historic career, Alabama is faced with the question of who will replace him in 2025. As of early in the offseason, Crimson Tide analysts and insiders are affirming that the quarterback competition remains wide open, signaling that the battle for the starting job is not only ongoing but is expected to last well into the spring and summer months.
A Legacy of Elite Quarterbacks
Alabama football has long been a bastion of defensive prowess and ground-and-pound offense, but in recent years, the team has evolved into a more balanced, high-powered unit. Much of this evolution can be attributed to elite quarterback play. With the development of quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young, Alabama has made the transition from a team relying primarily on its defense and running game to one capable of winning through the air as well.
Bryce Young, who won the 2021 Heisman Trophy and led the team to the SEC Championship in 2021, was the most recent example of Alabama’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier quarterback talent. Young’s leadership, poise, and playmaking ability made him the centerpiece of the Crimson Tide’s offense for the past two seasons. His departure for the NFL, where he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft, has left Alabama in a state of flux at the position. While the program is certainly accustomed to this kind of turnover at the quarterback spot, the competition to replace Young is unlike anything Alabama has seen in recent years.
The 2025 Quarterback Competition
Alabama enters the 2025 season with a number of talented quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Analysts and insiders close to the program have stated that the quarterback battle is expected to be one of the most intense and closely watched competitions in college football. According to Alabama football analyst Chris Stewart, the uncertainty surrounding the position is not only reflective of the natural cycle of college football but also speaks to the level of talent currently present on the roster.
“Alabama’s quarterback competition is as wide open as it has been in recent years,” Stewart said. “You’ve got multiple quarterbacks with different skill sets, and it’s clear that the coaching staff is taking a long, hard look at all of them. There’s no clear frontrunner yet, and that’s a good thing. It means that the best player will get the job, and that’s what Alabama fans expect.”
As it stands, the competition includes several high-profile candidates, each with unique abilities that could potentially make them the ideal fit for Alabama’s offensive scheme. The most prominent names in the mix include Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and highly touted 2024 signee Eli Holstein. Let’s take a closer look at these quarterbacks and what they bring to the table.
Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Candidate
Jalen Milroe, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore from Katy, Texas, has been one of the most discussed quarterbacks in Alabama’s program since he arrived in 2022. Milroe played sparingly during the 2023 season but showed flashes of brilliance when he was on the field. He demonstrated an ability to make plays both through the air and with his legs, showing off a dynamic dual-threat skill set that could make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Milroe’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make big-time throws has drawn comparisons to some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. However, his inconsistent performance, particularly in passing situations, has raised questions about his readiness to take over as the starter. Milroe’s performance in the spring and fall camps leading up to the 2025 season will be crucial in determining whether he can step into the starting role and lead the Crimson Tide.
Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, has made it clear that he values quarterbacks who can both manage the game and take over when needed. Milroe’s development as a passer will be closely scrutinized in the coming months, as he will need to show that he can consistently make accurate throws from the pocket in addition to his natural running ability.
Ty Simpson: The Highly-Touted Sophomore
Ty Simpson, a five-star recruit from Westview High School in Jackson, Tennessee, is another name that analysts believe could eventually take over as Alabama’s starting quarterback. Simpson was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, and he arrived at Alabama with a great deal of hype surrounding his potential.
While Simpson has yet to see significant playing time, he has had the benefit of learning under the tutelage of Alabama’s coaching staff and has developed a strong understanding of the offensive system. Simpson is known for his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses, which makes him a prototypical quarterback for Alabama’s pro-style offense. However, like Milroe, Simpson must prove that he can handle the pressure of being the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.
With a full offseason to develop and refine his skills, Simpson has the potential to be the type of quarterback that could lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff. His performance in spring practices will be critical in determining whether he is ready to take the next step and seize the starting role.
Eli Holstein: The Freshman Sensation
One of the most intriguing aspects of Alabama’s quarterback competition for the 2025 season is the arrival of Eli Holstein, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound freshman from Louisiana. Holstein, a highly regarded four-star prospect, is one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent Alabama history. Known for his ability to make all the throws and his advanced understanding of the quarterback position, Holstein is expected to compete immediately for playing time.
While Holstein is still technically a freshman, his pedigree and skill set make him a legitimate contender to start in 2025. Alabama’s coaching staff has a history of giving talented quarterbacks early opportunities, and Holstein could be no exception. If Holstein can quickly adapt to the speed of the college game and earn the trust of his coaches, he could emerge as the starter in just his first season on campus.
The Coach’s Perspective
Nick Saban, who has long been known for his meticulous and disciplined approach to coaching, has been careful not to prematurely declare a favorite in the quarterback race. In interviews, Saban has emphasized the importance of competition in driving improvement and has stated that all three quarterbacks will have a chance to prove themselves during spring practices and fall camp.
“We’re looking for the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win,” Saban said. “That means all three of these guys will get an opportunity to compete. It’s not about who’s the most talented; it’s about who can lead the offense, make smart decisions, and execute the game plan.”
This level of transparency and competition is not new for Saban, who has often built his programs around the concept of “earning your spot.” While the public may hope for an early frontrunner to emerge, Saban is likely to take a patient approach and let the competition play out on the field.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
The 2025 college football season represents a critical moment for Alabama as it looks to reassert itself as a national title contender after the departure of its superstar quarterback. Regardless of which player ultimately emerges as the starter, Alabama’s quarterback position will be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the fall.
With a talented supporting cast, including a strong offensive line, skilled wide receivers, and a defense that remains one of the best in the country, Alabama’s next quarterback will have plenty of weapons at their disposal. The coaching staff’s ability to identify the right quarterback and implement an effective offensive game plan will go a long way toward determining how successful the Crimson Tide can be in 2025.
For now, Alabama fans will have to wait and see which quarterback rises to the occasion and secures the starting job. What’s clear is that the competition will be fierce, and whoever earns the position will be stepping into a high-pressure, high-profile role in one of college football’s most storied programs.
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