Does Alabama Have a Competition at Kicker?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama fans thought their kicking woes were behind them for four seasons under Will Reichard, who became the NCAA's all-time leading scorer during his tenure with the Crimson Tide. Kicking concerns resurfaced in 2025, however, as Conor Talty made 69.6% of his field goal attempts for the Crimson Tide in his first season as Alabama's starter. Talty was a perfect 48-48 on extra points for Alabama, however.

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Talty had five games where he made every kick for the Crimson Tide, and did not attempt a field goal against Tennessee and South Carolina. The Crimson Tide's kicker was booed off the field by fans after missing a 28-yard attempt against Eastern Illinois during the Crimson Tide's 56-0 victory over the Panthers. After that game, the Chicago, Illinois, native went five-for-five on field goals the remainder of the season, including a 45-yard boot in the Iron Bowl and a 40-yard make against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoffs.

Talty's strong finish to the season didn't stop the Crimson Tide from bringing in a kicker via the transfer portal, with Lorcan Quinn making the move to Tuscaloosa after spending the 2025 season with the Marshall Thundering Herd, where he made 80.8% of his kicks, including four from 50+ yards, and his longest coming from 55 yards out.

“When you bring in someone else, you know, it’s open competition,” DeBoer told reporters after practice. “It’s pretty obvious to Connor that that’s the case. What I love about Connor is he didn’t shy away from it and decided to stay here,” DeBoer said. “He had plenty of time to leave if he wanted to. He wanted to stay here.

“He’s got it in him. Just continue to battle,” DeBoer said. “I like that competition there. I think we’re gonna be good. I know we’re gonna be good no matter who it is.”

Alabama returns to spring practice on Monday in preparation for A-Day on Saturday, April 11. The Tide's spring scrimmage will be a two-hour scrimmage, and attendance is free for fans. However, A-Day will not be televised.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.