Alabama football summer report: Who will be Crimson Tide starting quarterback in 2025?

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Alabama football has a few questions that need to be answered.
The first season of the Kalen DeBoer era is complete, one that ended with the worst season of Crimson Tide football since 2007 — with losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Michigan. And heading into Year 2, no question is bigger for Alabama than the one behind center.
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Who will be Alabama's next starting quarterback?
With three options vying for reps in Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, here's a look at where the Crimson Tide quarterback room stands as summer continues.
What was Alabama football QB position like in 2024?
Alabama football showed stability at the quarterback position in the first season of the DeBoer era. Jalen Milroe was Alabama's leading passer and rusher, combining for 36 touchdowns and over 3,500 all-purpose yards, but led the Crimson Tide to its worst season since 2007.
In 2024, Simpson and Mack, who are both battling for starting reps with Milroe off to the NFL, played sparingly, with Simpson leading all quarterbacks not named Milroe in snaps, and Mack recording his first collegiate passing touchdown against Mercer.
Where does Alabama QB room stand?
Apr 12, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) runs a drill during A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Simpson and Mack are each back in 2025. But Alabama has also added another talented piece to its quarterback room.
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Russell, the five-star quarterback out of Duncanville, Texas, is the highest-rated quarterback to sign with the Crimson Tide since Bryce Young in 2020.
Who will be Alabama starting quarterback in 2025?
All three quarterbacks have an argument to be Alabama's next starting quarterback.
Simpson has the most reps of any member of the room, Mack has the only passing touchdown in the room and Russell has the most recruiting hype, even surpassing Simpson, who was a five-star himself in the 2022 class.
Based on DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's comments throughout spring and summer, Simpson is the favorite as the coaching staff looks for the one who can lead an offense downfield with the "least number of mistakes." But it's a quarterback battle neither DeBoer nor Grubb would say is complete, even if it seems like the Crimson Tide has an answer.
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Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [e-mail] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football summer report: Where Crimson Tide QB room stands