Ahead of a do-or-die NCAA campaign in 2025, reports have emerged that Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer may make a surprising decision about Jalen Milroe‘s replacement as starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa.
Last year is a thing of the past, and many in Tuscaloosa will be glad with leaving it behind as they head to the 2025 season. After a disappointing finale, the Crimson Tide now sets their sights in the next stage, ahead of spring training and the official countdown to the new year in college football.
However, there is a pending decision in Alabama that cannot afford no delaying from Kalen DeBoer and his staff. Jalen Milroe is departing for the NFL, and somebody has to command the huddle for the ‘script A’. Three names appear: freshman Keelon Russell, redshirt junior Ty Simpson, and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack.
All three quarterbacks have different attributes and strengths, poising different opportunities for DeBoer to exploit in his offense, and with the NCAA season a long way ahead, the second-year coach in Alabama has enough time to assess his options. However, recent reports suggest DeBoer and his staff may be closing in on a surprising option.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide is all smiles prior to kickoff against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on August 31, 2024.
According to On3‘s Pete Nakos, Austin Mack is trending toward becoming the QB1 for DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, at least to start the season. According to the reporter, “Mack has been turning heads in spring practice.”
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Surprise, surprise
When most expected Russell, as the new face of the program to take over the reins from the get-go, or on the contrary, Simpson, as the most experienced player in Alabama’s quarterback room. However, it seems to be none of the above, and Milroe’s successor as QB1 in Bama could become Mack.
Tomlin and Steelers behind Milroe
Ahead of Jalen Milroe’s Alabama Pro Day, the dual-threat QB had dinner in Tuscaloosa with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Steelers general manager Omar Khan and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, according to Tom Pelissero from NFL Network.
Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on before the game against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.
The next day, during the school’s Pro Day, Tomlin was seen chatting with DeBoer, with many speculating that the main topic of conversation revolved around the star signal-caller, given the quarterback void in Steel City. While that’s purely conjecture, what’s factual is that Tomlin was present as Milroe ran a 4.37-second time during his 40-yard dash attempts.
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Ahead of the NFL Draft, Tomlin got a great look at Milroe’s personality and skills, and could have made up his mind as he heads toward the pivotal date in Green Bay on the weekend of April 24-26.
