Kalen DeBoer updates Alabama QB competition after first scrimmage

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 9th 2025 at 15:03 GMT by al.com
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Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are all competing to be the Alabama starting quarterback in 2025.

Kalen DeBoer Breaks Down Alabama Quarterbacks Following Initial Fall Scrimmage

In the sweltering heat of Tuscaloosa, new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer offered his first in-depth assessment of the Crimson Tide's quarterback room after the team's opening scrimmage of fall camp. DeBoer, who took over the reins from legendary coach Nick Saban earlier this year, emphasized a blend of optimism and constructive criticism as he evaluated the signal-callers vying for positions in what promises to be a high-octane offense. The scrimmage, held inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, served as a critical benchmark for the quarterbacks, allowing DeBoer and his staff to gauge their decision-making, accuracy, and poise under simulated game conditions. With the season opener against Western Kentucky looming just weeks away, DeBoer's insights provided a glimpse into how the quarterback competition is shaping up in this new era of Alabama football.

At the forefront of DeBoer's comments was returning starter Jalen Milroe, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who led Alabama to the College Football Playoff last season. DeBoer praised Milroe's growth, noting that the redshirt junior has embraced the nuances of the new offensive scheme, which draws heavily from DeBoer's successful stints at Washington and Fresno State. "Jalen's been impressive," DeBoer said. "He's got that natural athleticism that makes him a nightmare for defenses, but what stands out is how he's processing the game faster. In the scrimmage, he made quick reads, delivered the ball on time, and showed real command of the huddle." Milroe's performance included several highlight-reel throws and scrambles, demonstrating his ability to extend plays while minimizing turnovers—a key focus area after some inconsistencies in previous campaigns. DeBoer highlighted Milroe's leadership qualities, mentioning how he's taken younger players under his wing, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment in the quarterback room. This mentorship, DeBoer believes, is crucial for building depth, especially in a program accustomed to national championship contention.

Behind Milroe, the battle for the backup spot heated up during the scrimmage, with redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson emerging as a strong contender. DeBoer described Simpson as "explosive" and "eager to learn," pointing out his arm strength and mobility as assets that align well with the offense's emphasis on rhythm passing and run-pass options. "Ty had some really nice moments out there," DeBoer elaborated. "He connected on a couple of deep balls that showed his potential, and he's getting better at protecting the football. There's still room to grow in terms of consistency, but he's pushing everyone, including Jalen, which is exactly what we want." Simpson's reps were split evenly with the other backups, and his ability to improvise when plays broke down drew positive nods from the coaching staff. DeBoer stressed that Simpson's development is on an upward trajectory, crediting his offseason work ethic for closing the gap on the starter.

Another quarterback who caught DeBoer's eye was transfer Austin Mack, a towering presence at 6-foot-6 who joined Alabama from Washington, where he backed up Michael Penix Jr. under DeBoer. Mack's familiarity with the system gave him a leg up, and in the scrimmage, he showcased his pocket presence and accuracy on intermediate routes. "Austin's poise is something special," DeBoer noted. "He doesn't get rattled, and his size helps him see over the line. He made some throws today that reminded me why we brought him here—he's got that big-arm capability to stretch the field." However, DeBoer acknowledged that Mack is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of SEC defenses, suggesting that more live reps will be key to his integration. Mack's performance was solid but not without hiccups, including a few overthrows that DeBoer attributed to timing issues with new receivers.

Rounding out the group, redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan also received playing time, though his role appears more developmental at this stage. DeBoer commended Lonergan's intelligence and quick release, qualities that shone through in shorter, quick-hit passing situations during the scrimmage. "Dylan's got a bright future," DeBoer said. "He's absorbing everything we're throwing at him, and in the reps he got, he was efficient. We're not rushing him, but he's showing he can contribute if called upon." Lonergan's athleticism was evident in a few designed runs, adding another layer to his skill set, but DeBoer emphasized the need for him to build confidence in high-pressure scenarios.

Overall, DeBoer expressed satisfaction with the quarterback group's progress, highlighting the scrimmage as a positive step in installing his pro-style offense with spread elements. He noted that the unit as a whole demonstrated improved ball security, with minimal turnovers across the board—a marked improvement from early camp sessions. "These guys are buying in," DeBoer reflected. "The competition is fierce, but it's healthy. We're focusing on fundamentals like footwork, reading progressions, and making smart decisions under duress. The scrimmage exposed some areas we need to clean up, like handling blitzes and sustaining drives, but that's what these practices are for."

DeBoer also touched on how the quarterbacks are meshing with the rest of the offense, particularly the wide receivers and running backs. He mentioned standout connections between Milroe and emerging targets like Ryan Williams, a freshman sensation, and how the QBs are adapting to the tempo of the new scheme. "It's about rhythm and trust," DeBoer explained. "We're building that every day, and the scrimmage was a great test." Looking ahead, DeBoer indicated that the upcoming week would feature more situational work, including red-zone drills and two-minute offenses, to further refine the quarterbacks' skills before the next scrimmage.

In wrapping up his evaluation, DeBoer reiterated his confidence in the group's potential to drive Alabama's success this season. "We've got talent at every level in that room," he said. "Jalen's leading the way, but the depth is there, and that's going to be huge as we navigate a tough schedule." As Alabama transitions into the DeBoer era, this initial scrimmage evaluation underscores a quarterback room that's evolving, competitive, and poised for big things. With the SEC's demanding slate on the horizon, including matchups against Georgia and LSU, the development of these signal-callers will be pivotal in determining whether the Crimson Tide can reclaim their spot atop college football. DeBoer's measured optimism suggests that, while challenges remain, the foundation is being laid for a potent aerial attack that could define the 2024 campaign. As camp progresses, all eyes will remain on how these quarterbacks continue to grow under his guidance, blending Alabama's storied tradition with a fresh offensive identity.

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Kalen DeBoer updates Alabama QB competition after first scrimmage

Kalen DeBoer Breaks Down Alabama Quarterbacks Following Initial Fall Scrimmage