Alabama’s quarterback battle under Kalen DeBoer is already a gripping saga, and we’re just in spring. After a solid debut season, DeBoer’s laser-focused on getting the Tide back to the playoffs. But the big question—who will be the signal-caller for the Tide? While Ty Simpson started spring drills with an apparent advantage due to his time in the program, hungry talents like Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell are nipping at his heels. Now, the plot thickens with fresh intel suggesting a clearer picture of Simpson’s Crimson Tide future, all after DeBoer’s own strong signals about this intense QB showdown.

Thursday morning saw Alabama hitting the practice field for their first spring scrimmage, a closed-door affair with no media buzz. The only insights Crimson Tide faithful received came straight from Kalen DeBoer himself. But one key detail has emerged: Ty Simpson’s election to the team’s Leadership Council. This isn’t just about arm strength or practice reps; it speaks volumes about his growing presence and leadership within the team. And now, on Saturday, Crimson Tide reporter Brody Smoot has dropped some fresh intel from inside sources on that very scrimmage.

According to Smoot, several players stood out, including Abduall Sanders and Kameron Howard. True freshmen Dijon Lee and Lotzeir Brooks are also reportedly making a strong case for playing time. But the quarterback intel is the real headline: Brody Smoot reported that Ty Simpson emerged from the scrimmage as the “solid No. 1.”

Ty Simpson brings the most experience to the quarterback room, having thrown for 381 yards in limited action over three seasons, along with three rushing touchdowns to his name, but no passing touchdowns. While considered the early frontrunner, the competition is fierce, especially with the arrival of Keelon Russell.

Russell isn’t just a highly-touted prospect; he’s an elite one. ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 2 recruit, second only to Michigan’s Bryce Underwood. Notably, Russell is the highest-ranked quarterback to commit to Alabama since Bryce Young. So, the raw talent is undeniable, making this battle truly compelling.

However, talent alone doesn’t guarantee a starting nod under DeBoer. Freshmen, regardless of their ranking, often need time to develop and earn the coaches’ trust. This is where redshirt sophomore Austin Mack enters the picture. Mack’s USP? His 31-yard touchdown pass to Rico Scott against Mercer makes him the only current Alabama quarterback with a recorded passing touchdown. In today’s college football landscape, if Mack finds himself behind Russell on the depth chart, a transfer might be a real consideration, as waiting for an opportunity can be a risky game.

As the QB battle heats up, Bama’s head coach has a clear message for the fans.

Kalen DeBoer assesses Alabama’s QB competition

As this quarterback competition intensifies, Kalen DeBoer himself has offered some insights, sending a clear message to the Crimson Tide faithful. Reflecting on the first spring scrimmage, DeBoer said, “I thought today, as far as just accuracy, there was maybe two balls. One was really short pass that you really want to see completed, and then one that was an opportunity for an explosive play that we missed. Otherwise, I’d just probably guess that they were somewhere in the, you know, where you want to be.”

Overall, however, DeBoer seemed pleased with his QBs, noting that Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, and Keelon Russell all appeared more comfortable within the offense, suggesting the quarterback room is starting to find its rhythm. Importantly, nothing he observed caused him to rethink their current standing.

DeBoer emphasized the consistency of the competition, stating, “I think it’s pretty consistent from where it was from the beginning. They all bring something a little bit different to the table. Even though it’s not like maybe a runner and then a passer, it’s guys doing their thing and what their strengths are.” He pointed out that each quarterback possesses distinct strengths—one excels at delivering accurate, catchable throws; another shines with intermediate passes; and the third is a natural playmaker with his legs. While keeping specific names private, DeBoer stressed that the most crucial aspect is their continued growth.

“They are all taking something from each other’s game and applying it to theirs and seeing there’s always a way to make this play happen or that play happen,” he explained, underscoring the positive impact of this competitive environment.

So, while the first spring scrimmage didn’t result in a starting quarterback being named—not Simpson, not Russell, and not Mack—this comes as no surprise. This quarterback battle is far from over, and with the competition heating up, a final decision likely won’t be reached until mid to late August.