As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepares for the 2025 college football season, one significant change looms large: Jalen Milroe, who served as the team’s starting quarterback in 2023 and 2024, is off to the NFL. Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, was a pivotal figure for Alabama over the past two years, helping to lead the team to crucial victories in both the SEC and the College Football Playoff. However, with Milroe now heading to the professional ranks, Alabama must turn its focus to its next generation of quarterbacks.
So, what does the 2025 quarterback room look like for Alabama? The Crimson Tide has long been known for its elite quarterback development and talent pipeline, and with the departure of Milroe, several intriguing options are on the table. Let’s break down the candidates, expectations, and the future of Alabama’s quarterback situation as the program prepares to stay competitive at the highest level.
Jalen Milroe’s Legacy
Jalen Milroe’s time in Tuscaloosa will not be soon forgotten. Originally brought in as a highly-touted recruit with a unique blend of arm strength and athleticism, Milroe spent his first few seasons backing up Bryce Young before taking the reins in 2023. As a starter, Milroe displayed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his ability to break off long runs and make incredible deep throws. However, he also faced growing pains, especially with consistency and decision-making in the passing game.
Despite some early struggles, Milroe’s leadership and playmaking ability helped Alabama remain a top contender, and he left an indelible mark on the team. His decision to enter the NFL Draft was not entirely unexpected given his physical tools, and the Crimson Tide will now face the task of finding the next face of the program under center.
The Incoming Quarterbacks: A Strong Recruiting Class
While Alabama’s 2025 quarterback room will undoubtedly feature some returning players, the most immediate source of talent comes from the 2024 recruiting class. Alabama secured commitments from multiple highly-rated quarterbacks, making the future of the position look bright even with Milroe’s departure.
1. Eli Holstein
One of the crown jewels of Alabama’s 2024 class, Eli Holstein, is poised to make an immediate impact. A 5-star recruit from Louisiana, Holstein is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He possesses a pro-style skill set, with a strong arm and excellent accuracy, which makes him a natural fit for Alabama’s system. Holstein’s ability to read defenses, combined with his athleticism and poise in the pocket, gives him the tools to thrive in Tuscaloosa.
Holstein enrolled early, allowing him to get a jump on spring practices and familiarize himself with Alabama’s offensive playbook. Given his pedigree and potential, he is expected to compete for the starting job right out of the gate in 2025. While Holstein will still face a learning curve, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him quickly develop into a leader for the Crimson Tide.
2. Dylan Lonergan
Another top quarterback in the 2024 class, Dylan Lonergan, provides Alabama with even more depth and versatility at the position. A 4-star recruit from Georgia, Lonergan is another pro-style passer who is adept at making all the throws. What sets Lonergan apart is his football IQ and quick release, which should help him adjust quickly to the speed of the college game.
While Holstein is likely to be the front-runner to start in 2025, Lonergan’s ability to compete and challenge for the position cannot be overlooked. The two young quarterbacks will likely push each other throughout spring and fall practices, raising the overall level of competition in the quarterback room.
The Returners: Who’s Still in the Mix?
While Holstein and Lonergan may be the primary focus of the future of Alabama’s quarterback position, it is important to consider the current roster and which quarterbacks could potentially step up into a larger role for the 2025 season. These players have spent time within the program, learning the system, and could provide valuable experience.
1. Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, is one of the most intriguing players in Alabama’s quarterback room for 2025. Simpson came to Alabama with high expectations but has yet to secure the starting role, as Milroe has been the primary signal-caller in recent years. However, Simpson has the talent to compete for the starting job and could be a breakout player in 2025.
Simpson is known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership qualities. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions in the pocket will be key to his development moving forward. While he has yet to see extensive starting action, Simpson’s time on the bench learning from Milroe and other quarterbacks could provide him with the experience necessary to take on a larger role next season.
2. Tyler Buchner
Tyler Buchner’s situation is a bit more uncertain. After transferring to Alabama in 2024 from Notre Dame, the former Fighting Irish quarterback provides the Crimson Tide with yet another option. Buchner, a former 4-star recruit, has experience at the college level, albeit in limited starts for Notre Dame. His dual-threat abilities give him a unique skill set that could potentially fit into the offense, but he will have to prove himself during the spring and fall practices.
Buchner’s experience in high-pressure games at Notre Dame, as well as his athleticism, make him an intriguing option in the 2025 quarterback competition. Whether he can overtake Holstein or Simpson remains to be seen, but he will certainly be in the mix.
Offensive Coordinator and Coaching Staff: A Crucial Factor
While the talent in the quarterback room is essential, Alabama’s success in 2025 will also be determined by the coaching staff and how they develop the next generation of quarterbacks. The hire of Tommy Rees as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2023 brought a new vision to the offense, and his ability to adapt the system to fit the strengths of his quarterbacks will be critical in the development of the 2025 signal-callers.
Rees, who previously worked as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, has a track record of developing quarterbacks and running efficient offenses. His focus on balance and maximizing the quarterback’s abilities to make plays in both the passing and running games aligns well with the talents of quarterbacks like Holstein, Simpson, and Lonergan.
What to Expect in 2025
As Alabama heads into the 2025 season, there will be plenty of competition in the quarterback room. Jalen Milroe’s departure leaves a void, but the Crimson Tide is well-equipped with talented young quarterbacks to step into the spotlight. Whether it is Eli Holstein, Ty Simpson, or a surprise candidate like Dylan Lonergan or Tyler Buchner, Alabama’s quarterback position will likely be the subject of intense competition in the spring and summer months.
One thing is certain: Alabama’s standard for excellence at the quarterback position remains high. The program’s legacy of developing elite quarterbacks under Nick Saban is well-established, and the 2025 quarterback room looks poised to continue that tradition. With a wealth of talent and a top-notch coaching staff, Alabama is set for yet another exciting chapter in its quarterback history.