Kalen DeBoer Makes Major Announcement on Alabama's QB Battle

Kalen DeBoer has named a starting QB.

Kalen DeBoer Makes Major Announcement on Alabama's QB Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

A handful of the biggest college football programs in the country have yet to name a quarterback as the 2025 season approaches.

Among those trying to find their answer at quarterback are the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Colorado Buffaloes and Alabama Crimson Tide. While all of these schools are hoping that a superstar will emerge when the dust settles, Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide program need it the most.

After posting the program's worst record (9-4) since 2007, the Crimson Tide had three contenders emerge for the starting gig to replace Jalen Milroe. While Austin Mack has the most familiarity with the system, having played under DeBoer at Washington, and Keelon Russell has the most hype as the program's highest-ranked quarterback recruit ever, Ty Simpson has been viewed as the favorite.

Something that DeBoer confirmed when making an appearance on "SEC Now" at SEC media days.

"If we played today, you know he (Simpson) would be the starter," DeBoer said. " We announced that kind of after the spring. Nothing's really changed since then. He's done a great job of continuing to grow himself."

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Simpson has been waiting his turn for three seasons now, serving as the backup for Milroe for the past two, and being third on the depth chart behind Milroe and Bryce Young in 2022.

In his limited showings, the former five-star has completed 16-of-29 passes for 381 yards. While it's rare for a quarterback to wait his turn to be the starter these days, Simpson's patience may have paid off in a big way.

Related: Arch Manning Turns Heads After Interaction With Paul Finebaum

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: General Sports