Alabama came into this past season with a big question mark under center. The Crimson Tide didn’t have a clear-cut starting quarterback, and the competition was wide open.
But once Ty Simpson took the reins, he didn’t just manage the offense-he turned into the guy. The kind of guy who can carry a program through the gauntlet of SEC play and into the College Football Playoff.
Now, as the dust settles on the season, the next question looms: Will Simpson declare for the NFL Draft?
He hasn’t made it official yet, but if he does decide to make the leap, he’s got first-round tools written all over him. Strong arm, good decision-making, and the kind of poise that NFL scouts love to see.
But if he leaves, Alabama fans shouldn’t panic. The next man up is already in the building-and he’s no ordinary backup.
Enter Keelon Russell.
Russell arrived in Tuscaloosa as one of the most highly-touted recruits in the country. A former five-star prospect, he spent this season learning, developing, and preparing for his shot. And if Simpson departs, that shot could come as soon as next fall.
According to recent projections, Russell is the favorite to win the starting job if it opens up. There’s no indication that Alabama will need to explore the transfer portal for a quarterback. They’ve already got their guy-he just hasn’t taken the stage yet.
Russell’s upside is massive. He’s got the athleticism, the arm talent, and the pedigree.
But maybe more importantly, he’s stepping into a system under head coach Kalen DeBoer that’s built to elevate quarterbacks. DeBoer has a track record of maximizing QB play, and if he and Russell click, Alabama could be right back in the thick of the national title hunt.
Let’s not forget-this year’s team made it to the College Football Playoff with three losses. That’s not the blueprint Alabama wants to follow again, but it speaks to just how much talent and resilience this roster has. With a smooth transition at quarterback, the Tide could tighten things up and make a serious push next season.
The pieces are in place. Whether Simpson stays or goes, Alabama’s quarterback room is in good hands. And if it’s Keelon Russell’s time, don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it-just like his predecessor did.