Alabama‘s spring football is finally here! Now there’s still one burning question in every Bama fan’s mind — who will replace Jalen Milroe and lead the Crimson Tide in 2025? Kalen DeBoer‘s QB battle is underway. While redshirt junior Ty Simpson and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack have the experience edge, all eyes are on 5-star phenom Keelon Russell. The hype surrounding the No. 2 QB of the 2025 class is undeniable. His skills have screamed elite decision-making and pinpoint accuracy (70.8% completion rate in high school). But will that be enough to make him the QB1?

The truth is often harsh. Keelon Russell may be Alabama’s future but is he the present? On a new episode on Bama Tailgate on March 5, host Michael Gillispie addressed the situation. “The true freshman is going to try his best to be in this dogfight for the starting quarterback job,” he noted. “I don’t know if that’s really feasible for him to be considered for this starting quarterback job when you have Ty Simpson and Austin Mack, guys that have been there.” While it stings, there’s weight behind his observation.

Simpson was a former 5-star recruit himself and has been in the system for the longest. Mack has flashes of potential but is still unproven. Neither has started a collegiate game but experience still matters. But while Alabama sorts out its QB dilemma, Kalen DeBoer and his staff are also making key additions to reinforce the offensive line with fresh intel. Jayden Hobson, a former SEC O-lineman, is now part of the Tide’s 2025 roster. At 6’5, 255 pounds, he brings valuable size and experience to an O-line that will be tasked with protecting whoever wins the QB battle. 

Having a veteran like Hobson is crucial if Alabama is considering a starter in Keelon Russell. Even Kalen DeBoer acknowledged a true freshman’s upside but also stated that he has a long way to go. “He’s got a long way to go because I think that’s the way he looks at it,” the HC said. “He’s excited about what this growth’s going to be even during this spring… He’s a pretty elite quarterback coming in as a high school senior, current freshman for us.” But let’s explore his biggest setback. 

Keelon Russell’s biggest obstacle in 2025

If there’s one thing working against Keelon Russell, it’s his frame. At 6’3, 192 pounds, he’s still growing into his body. Alabama’s strength staff has already made it a priority for him to bulk up. While his raw talent is off the charts, the question is if he can handle the physicality of SEC defense right away. A question that’ll be answered over the next few months. 

Kalen DeBoer isn’t just looking for a new QB, he’s hunting for a leader. “It’s got to be a guy who can deliver the b—, command the huddle, command everything we do with the team,” he said. “That presence, that belief and confidence in your signal caller. It starts with a lot of that – just the belief.” Alabama doesn’t hand the keys to just anyone. They have started only two true freshman QBs in the program’s history — Vince Sutton (1984) and Jalen Hurts (2016). Russell has the talent to be the third but is he ready?

If Keelon Russell wants to make a serious push for the starting job, A-Day on April 12 will be his best shot to prove he belongs in the conversation.