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USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN names their biggest question marks, 'what-ifs' for Alabama football in 2025
ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly thinks the Alabama Crimson Tide have as good a chance as almost anyone to win the national championship in 2025. Connelly, a leading figure behind ESPN's popular analytics-driven SP+ rankings, recently listed potential title contenders for 2025 with his annual 'what-ifs' for each team. Alabama tied with Penn State for the fewest question marks entering the season with only two. Alabama's 'what-ifs': the quarterback position, led for the moment by junior Ty Simpson, and the defense's ability to get after the quarterback. To the former, coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb named Simpson the frontrunner as spring practice wrapped up in April following Alabama's annual A-Day event. The concern for Simpson is obvious, mainly his lack of experience. In parts of three seasons, he's 29-of-50 for 381 yards through the air while rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Most of that was in mop-up duty with the exception of Alabama's ugly 17-3 win at South Florida in September 2023. Simpson's next college start will be his first, but Connelly contends that Simpson may not necessarily need to be elite in order to succeed. Think of Jake Coker, who led Alabama to the national championship in 2015. Connelly said: "Honestly, after Jalen Milroe's negative-play troubles in 2024 (11 interceptions, 9 fumbles, 23 sacks), there's a path for Simpson to succeed by simply making sure the team in crimson controls the ball. He'll have strong weapons to whom he can distribute the ball -- Ryan Williams, slot man Germie Bernard, Miami transfer Isaiah Horton, young former star recruits such as Jaylen Mbakwe, Jalen Hale and Cole Adams -- and lord knows he has waited for this opportunity. If he can't deliver early, sophomore Austin Mack or freshman Keelon Russell (the No. 2 player in the 2025 class) could step in. One way or another, solid quarterbacking could take Bama far." The concern for Alabama's pass rush stems from the defense registering just 25 sacks all of last year. Nearly one-third of those came in two games: the Crimson Tide's Week 2 win over South Florida and their 27-25 victory over South Carolina on Oct. 12. Alabama racked up four sacks in each of those games. Moreover, the Tide's sack leaders from a year ago, linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Que Robinson, both departed for the NFL. Per Connelly: "(T)he pass rush really was a liability at times, and the only two players with more than 2.5 sacks last season are gone. Outside linebackers Jah-Marien Latham and Qua Russaw look the part but had just one sack each. One way or another, the pressure needs to improve." Apart from Russaw, two players that pressure should come from are inside threats like Tim Keenan III (40 tackles, 2.5 sacks in 2025) and LT Overton (42 tackles, 2.0 sacks). DeBoer was asked at SEC media days earlier this month who stood out as pass rushers heading into the season. "I think guys like LT Overton jump out with me," he said. "LT was there a lot last year. Those are the next steps you want to take. Not just he, but a lot of guys finishing the plays. LT has it in him, the seal set. He has those instincts. Continues to hone in on taking it to the next level. "Qua Russaw is another guy," DeBoer continued. "Some underclassmen are coming up that are doing a nice job, too. Looking forward to the progress they've made physically to be able to put themselves in a chance to let their work happen on the football field on Saturdays." Alabama football schedule 2025 Alabama will open the season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ABC. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Paul Finebaum says Alabama, Kalen DeBoer sending a 'signal' to rest of college football
ESPN and SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum is impressed by the recent run in recruiting by the Alabama Crimson Tide and second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. Finebaum made his weekly appearance on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" on Birmingham's WJOX-FM Monday and said that DeBoer and his staff were recruiting at the levels Alabama once enjoyed under former coach Nick Saban. Alabama's recent recruiting tear saw the Crimson Tide close the month of June with 10 hard commitments in the class of 2026. The list includes 5-star EDGE Xavier Griffin from Gainesville, Ga., the nation's No. 1 ranked linebacker in the 2026 class according to 247Sports, as well as 4-star running back Ezavier Crowell, the No. 4 ranked running back. The Crimson Tide also got Jett Thomalla, the nation's No. 15 ranked quarterback, to flip from Iowa State. They landed the No. 7 ranked offensive tackle, Sam Utu, and No. 7 ranked tight end Mack Sutter. As a result, Alabama's 2026 class has jumped to No. 8 in 247Sports' recruiting rankings and No. 9 by On3. Alabama had already landed elite recruits from the nation's top-ranked cornerback in 5-star recruit Jorden Edmonds back in March and 4-star defensive back Zyan Gibson last December. Finebaum said Monday that DeBoer was bringing stability to the Alabama program. "Kalen DeBoer, with the addition of Ryan Grubb and finally getting the staff a little bit more to his liking, has brought continuity," he said. "That's evidenced by him retaining his players in the spring, which I think is a very big deal for that purpose, and I think it's oozing over to recruiting." Sure enough, Alabama did not a single player to the spring transfer portal after closing spring practice with its annual A-Day event back in April. 'Vintage Alabama recruiting': Finebaum says Kalen DeBoer has Crimson Tide in envious spot Finebaum continued: "Quite frankly, this is one of the great recruiting runs we've seen in some years. It almost feels like Nick Saban is running the ship again when it comes to recruiting, because this is vintage Alabama recruiting. And I think when we saw this transition (in 2024), a lot of people doubted if Alabama could come back to this particular moment in time, but it is here and I think it bodes extremely well for Alabama in the future." Co-host Greg McElroy, Alabama's starting quarterback during the 2009 national championship season and now an analyst on ABC and ESPN, noted that the Crimson Tide were still waiting on commitments from other targets in the 2026 recruiting class. One of those is in-state wide receiver Cederian Morgan of Alexander City. Morgan is set to announce a commitment Wednesday. Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Colorado are among the other finalists for the 5-star recruit. Finebaum says Alabama is sending a signal to rest of college football Finebaum added: "I think this is the most important thing and I have a feeling... to the rest of college football, this is a very annoying and irritating signal. Because based on what the new transfer from Boston College to FSU said last week and many others have said before him, Nick Saban may be gone, but Alabama is still one of the great standards of all-time in college football. And I think a lot of people forgot that, especially younger people who only knew the Nick Saban era. "Even during other coaching terms... Alabama never got hung up on the record. They knew they were Alabama, and it upset a lot of people. It came off as arrogant and cocky, but it has always been able to be backed up over the course of history. There's a reason why there's so many statues outside Bryant-Denny Stadium for coaches who have won national championships, and while recruiting is not the final arbiter in college football anymore, and we all know that and talk about that every day, it is still an incredibly important sign. "And what I'm interested in, and I will leave it to the recruiting experts because I'm not one either is, if Alabama is doing this well, it's at the expense of who? Because Alabama has been losing these battles over the last year or two. Not all of them, but they've been losing some of them. Right now, it looks like they're winning almost all of them." Alabama is still 'the brand' in college football, Paul Finebaum says Co-host Cole Cubelic wondered whether Alabama's presence on the national stage, particularly in the weekly 2:30 p.m. game on CBS for many years, was something DeBoer and the current staff could lean on in recruiting given that few other programs had enjoyed the same advantage as the Crimson Tide in terms of national exposure. Finebaum responded: "One thing about Kalen DeBoer, he is different. He tweaked things, he altered things, but he never let go of the core. I don't want to go back in ancient history, but a lot of coaches have come into Alabama and tried to break the mold. He didn't. He leaned on Nick Saban when he needed to. Saban still walks around and can be seen, not that that is helping you get a five-star recruit. "But I think a lot of people just forgot that that it is Alabama. Alabama is the brand. Alabama is the brand that has been around college football since the Rose Bowl of the 1920s. "I would laugh sometimes when I would hear young people say, 'Well, it's only Nick Saban.' That's not true. I'm not taking anything away from Saban. That's absurd... but when a recruit lands in Tuscaloosa or drives through that city and sees the sights that everybody has seen now throughout the course of history, it just resonates. And some places it doesn't. It's all about what happened recently... Alabama has always been there, and the signs right now is it looks like they're always going to be." Can Alabama stay competitive in NIL era? McElroy wondered if Alabama could still be the "alpha dog" in the new landscape of college football with NIL, given the resources of schools like Texas, Texas A&M and others. Finebaum said it remains to be seen and implied that there was "concern" among boosters. But he also said that talk of Alabama being "finished" as an elite program without Saban, who led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, had been proven wrong. "The only thing that has not been proven yet is whether Alabama can sustain the financial ability like the Texas' and the A&M's and some of these other schools. I think it's one thing to get a player; it's another thing to keep him. So on that part of the card, Alabama answered that in the spring by not losing any players. I think the answer short term is yes. I think it's all a matter of how the new House settlement gets dissolved. I think that actually helps Alabama a little bit more where, while there is a lot of money at stake, it's not just open checkbook like it was six or seven weeks ago as the mad, wild rush was made to get in under the wire." Alabama football schedule 2025 Alabama will open the 2025 season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ABC. Here's the rest of the 2025 Alabama football schedule with current start times. All times Central Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Will Alabama football be healthy in fall camp? Kalen DeBoer gives Crimson Tide injury update
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Kalen DeBoer is confident. The Alabama football coach, once the Crimson Tide takes the field this August, will be fully healthy. At SEC Spring Meetings May 27, DeBoer said there are "too many, as a whole, that are still coming off of last season," who missed sprung practice. Heading into the summer workouts DeBoer said "there'll be a pretty good group that now is in full swing" and a few that will be limited. Advertisement 'But by the time we hit August, we feel very confident that we will have everyone back and be ready to roll at the level we need to," DeBoer said. Players like linebacker Deontae Lawson, defensive back Keon Sabb and Domani Jackson were out for spring, while offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, defensive lineman James Smith and linebacker Justin Jefferson were limited. Ryan Williams was also held out for the Alabama football A-Day scrimmage. Alabama also had an extremely limited tight end room with Marshall Pritchett, Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis out with injuries, leading to the additions of Brody Dalton and Jack Sammarco via the transfer portal. Not only is DeBoer confident that he will have a full Alabama roster come August, he predicted that is hungry. Advertisement "Guys are pouring everything into it right now," DeBoer said. "They are almost over the top with the work they want to put in because of the desire they have to, you want to be great and have an amazing season. Coming off of last year, they want to prove some people right and prove some people wrong." Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Kalen DeBoer gives Alabama football injury update
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
After Ty Simpson declaration, what's next for Austin Mack, Keelon Russell in Alabama football QB room?
Ryan Grubb didn't hide where the Alabama football quarterback position stands post spring ball. If the Crimson Tide were heading to Tallahassee, Florida, to face Florida State tomorrow, he said, Ty Simpson would be the starter. Plain and simple. Advertisement Inside look at Alabama QB battle: How has Ty Simpson navigated Alabama football quarterback battle? I asked his dad But it's not because of a lack of production. Grubb said he has been "super happy" with Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell in the quarterback room this spring. What Grubb is looking for is the quarterback who can "take in a game plan and function correctly." For now, that's Simpson. But both Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer laid out the plan for Mack and Russell to take that next step this summer into the fall. "If you're not ready for the scrutiny or just the competition level, the mindset you need to have at quarterback to play at any level, much less the SEC or at Alabama, I think that those guys showed that, that they can lead this team every day," Grubb said. Austin Mack 'made huge strides' with Alabama football Apr 12, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack (10) throws during A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images Mack isn't the brand new quarterback. He isn't Simpson either who Grubb said has "been around the block." Advertisement But in Mack, Grubb sees a quarterback who has made "huge strides." "He came out and developed just with some of the nuances and taking care of the football, and things like that," Grubb said. "Ty showed out a bit better." DeBoer said Mack is one of two quarterbacks, along with Simpson, who "knows the system" well. In the spring game, Mack threw multiple interceptions and struggled with his accuracy in 7-on-7 reps. Mack also has one thing the rest of the quarterback room doesn't: a collegiate touchdown pass. Kalen DeBoer wants 'consistency' from Keelon Russell Russell is still learning the system, DeBoer said. But the Alabama coach said he's seen glimpses of what made Russell Alabama's highest-rated quarterback signee since Bryce Young. Advertisement "He had some really big days," DeBoer said. "You saw a lot of flashes of what he's capable of." Russell, DeBoer said, balanced those big days with some "big mistakes." "It's growth, it's learning," DeBoer said. "He's in it. He's the same guy every single day. That's what you love about him. Just consistency. He's going to be a guy where you can attack a defense, and I think all of our quarterbacks have that ability with their arm to get after the opponent." Russell continues to remind Grubb of Michael Penix Jr. because of the freshman's demeanor and his calmness. "Honestly, Keelon, he exceeded my expectations," Grubb said. "A young man his age, he never gave into that opportunity. We challenged him with that: 'Don't give in to I'm a freshman. ...' He didn't do that." Advertisement Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Next steps for Austin Mack, Keelon Russell in Alabama football QB room
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How has Ty Simpson navigated Alabama football quarterback battle? I asked his dad
When Jason Simpson watched his son walk off the bus and into Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama football's A-Day practice, Ty Simpson was walking with one of his competitors. Ty Simpson, the redshirt junior quarterback, walked with Keelon Russell, the freshman quarterback and five-star phenom, into his first Crimson Tide spring game. And as both approached the stadium, Jason Simpson saw his son whisper something to Russell. Advertisement 'I asked (Ty) later, 'What did you tell him as y'all were walking in?'' Jason Simpson told the Tuscaloosa News. 'He said, 'I was just telling him, hey, this is a spring game. You got to see it on game day how awesome this place is.'' Ty Simpson knows what an offseason quarterback battle looks like. He's been there. He's done that. With that experience in tow, Simpson left as the leader in the clubhouse. 'At the end of the day, if we're playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start,' Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said Monday. 'And he earned that, okay? And I know that's the line everybody's looking for, but that is what he earned.' As a dad, Jason Simpson is not surprised by Grubb's proclamation. Jason Simpson has confidence in Ty, the Alabama quarterback who has been there, who's been loyal, and who has put everything into being Alabama's next quarterback. Advertisement But as Jason Simpson, the UT Martin football coach, he also knows Alabama is not his team. It's not his program. He has his own quarterback battle to deal with. Jason Simpson, describing himself as Ty Simpson's number one fan and number one critic, knows what his son's summer looks like before Alabama's quarterback battle ramps back up in August. 'I think you have to be yourself,' Jason Simpson said. 'But now, when it becomes your turn, the torch gets passed on and there's responsibilities you have to be comfortable with.' Ty Simpson 'understands' Alabama football quarterback battle Jason Simpson remembers seeing a change in Ty's demeanor before spring football even started. Advertisement During spring break, Jason and Ty were watching Alabama cut ups and plays with members of a UT Martin coaching staff eager to glean any advantage it could from the Crimson Tide. 'I'd say, 'Ty, how are y'all blocking this up? How are you reading this coverage?'' Jason Simpson said. 'Not only did he know, because sometimes the player can know, but can't teach it. I'm sitting there with seven or eight grown men from my offensive staff in there, and Ty felt comfortable getting up on the board to draw it up. He was able not only to know it himself, but speak it to where people who know football, who coach it on a daily basis, they looked at him like a young coach.' Jason Simpson said Ty's mindset is consistent with how the Alabama football coaching staff teaches scheme, a staff, Jason said, is on the 'cutting edge,' especially after Grubb's hire. It's a staff, Jason said, that is pulling in the same direction, one where he sees a 'great dynamic.' Advertisement 'You can tell they have all worked together before,' Jason Simpson said. 'Everybody's in their role, and there's just a different edge to it now. Because let me tell you, being the quarterback coach and the coordinator, that's a challenge now. Now Nick (Sheridan is) able to spend all that time with his quarterbacks and Grubb is able to see all the details and stuff and give the edge.' Through the coaching staff's comfort with one another, Jason Simpson has seen Ty 'evolve and grow and get better mentally and physically.' And it has become more than just about the quarterback's on-field play. 'I think Ty, he did a good job not getting too high with the highs or too low with the lows,' Jason Simpson said. 'He's been through a quarterback battle before. He understands that it's about taking care of the football and limiting turnovers, ending possessions with a kick, whether it be a field goal or a PAT. Winning games is not about stats, even though you need to play at a high percentage. It's about moving the football team. It's about winning the locker room over and developing relationships with your teammates and being able to demand greatness from each other.' To Jason, Ty Simpson's leadership has been clear. Advertisement Ty, who has been a part of the football team's leadership council since before spring ball started, hosted teammates at his house after A-Day Saturday. As Jason left town, he saw offensive and defensive players alike coming in. As Ty Simpson navigates a quarterback battle, Jason Simpson already sees a quarterback. 'Yeah, you got NIL and you got that money and all that kind of stuff right now,' Jason Simpson said. 'But it's still a team sport. When those four quarters hit and that stadium's loud, man, those relationships, they help you.' Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Inside look at Ty Simpson place in Alabama football quarterback battle
