In the era of the transfer portal, nothing is guaranteed.
Players can be on a roster one day and gone the next, especially when other programs come calling with opportunities for more playing time or lucrative NIL deals. This uncertainty is particularly common at the quarterback position, where depth is often tested. With the portal opening Wednesday, Alabama faces the question: can they keep all three of their scholarship quarterbacks?
Head coach Kalen DeBoer remains hopeful. “Yeah, I really hope we can,” DeBoer said. “You never know with the portal, but I feel good about our team’s chemistry. Guys feel like they’re developing and have a chance to compete.” He also praised Austin Mack’s progress and emphasized the growth he’s seen over the past year.
Despite the risk of losing a QB, current SEC rules prevent players from transferring within the conference and being immediately eligible, so Alabama won’t lose anyone to a rival like Tennessee.
Ty Simpson appears to be the favorite to start, as confirmed by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Austin Mack is entering his second year at Alabama and third under DeBoer, while Keelon Russell joins as part of the 2025 recruiting class. That trio is currently the Tide’s full quarterback room.
“Three isn’t very many,” DeBoer admitted. “But that’s likely where we’ll be this fall. We had four last year, which was rare. I’ve had three before, and you’re always on edge.”
With such a thin group, keeping all three QBs healthy is crucial. DeBoer noted that his team has been repeatedly warned to avoid contact with quarterbacks during spring practices. “There have been a lot of questionable sacks that I’ve called off,” he joked. “I’ve got the quarterback whistle, and protecting them is a top priority.”
In today’s transfer portal era, nothing is guaranteed. A player can be on your team one day and gone the next, especially when other schools come calling with NIL deals and roster opportunities. Maintaining talent and depth has become increasingly difficult—particularly at high-value positions like quarterback.
Quarterbacks often find themselves at the center of transfer drama, as shown recently with Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava. With the portal reopening Wednesday, Alabama faces a key question: Can it hold on to all three of its scholarship quarterbacks?
“I really hope we can,” said Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. “But you just never know. The portal always leaves that door open. Still, I’m confident in our team chemistry and the belief that guys are developing, competing, and have opportunities here—especially at quarterback. Austin Mack, for example, has made major strides since the middle of last season.”
While there’s always a chance a quarterback could leave, current SEC rules prevent players from transferring within the conference and gaining immediate eligibility. That adds a small layer of protection for Alabama.
As of now, Ty Simpson leads the race for the starting job, according to offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Austin Mack returns for his second year at Alabama and third under DeBoer, while incoming freshman Keelon Russell completes the trio. That’s the full quarterback room heading into the 2025 season.
“Three isn’t a lot, but that’s likely where we’ll be,” DeBoer said. “We had four last year, which was unusual. I’ve coached with three QBs several times, and it always keeps you on your toes.”
With such a small group, keeping quarterbacks healthy is more important than ever. DeBoer said protecting them was a top priority throughout spring practice.
“The rest of the team probably heard me say ‘stay away from the quarterback’ more than anything else,” DeBoer joked. “There were some sack calls the defensive line didn’t like, but I have the whistle. The priority is keeping our quarterbacks upright and healthy.”
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