Has One Quarterback Begun to Separate Himself in Alabama’s QB Battle?

With 150 days until the Crimson Tide takes on the Florida State Seminoles, there is still plenty of time for the Alabama quarterback battle to settle. However, former Alabama quarterback and national champion Greg McElry thinks there is an early favorite to win the job.

Get our free mobile app

The former Crimson Tide signal caller turned ESPN color commentator and podcast host was asked on his podcast, "Always College Football," how he would evaluate Ty Simpson as Alabama's potential starting quarterback.

“Right now, based on my understanding of what’s going on in Tuscaloosa, is that Ty has had a solid camp, McElroy said. ”He is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far that the other two, between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, those are the ones that are kind of competing for that No. 2 spot right now."

Simpson has been with Alabama since 2022 and is the most experienced out of the group. Austin Mack transferred to Alabama after the 2023 season, and Keelon Russell is a five-star true freshman.

“Once we get into the summer, maybe that competition is extended,” McElroy said. “Maybe one of those guys makes a leap and makes this thing super competitive down the stretch. I don’t think we’re going to have an answer anytime soon.”

If Simpson is in 'firm control,' Alabama won't let it be publicly known by endorsing a starter for the A-Day open practice on April 12.

“For fear that the fact there’s only three guys right now on scholarship, you lose one of the other two guys, now you’re down to two, and you’re back in the portal for a guy who doesn’t have a great feel for the system,” McElroy said. “If I were in charge of this quarterback competition, this thing is going all the way to Week 1. As long as I can potentially string it out, I would string it out.”

Want more Alabama Football updates? Check out these stories!

• Alabama Tight End Injured During Spring Practice
• Alabama Board of Trustees Approves Coaching Contracts

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_.