As the spring season unfolds, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team finds itself in a rare position of uncertainty at the quarterback position. While Alabama has long been known for its dominance, with a legacy of elite quarterbacks and a highly efficient offense, the 2025 spring camp presents a unique challenge. The uncertainty around who will start under center has been a lingering issue for Alabama’s football program. This spring, however, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has brought clarity to the situation, substantiating a hunch that has persisted throughout the offseason regarding the team’s quarterback position.
Background on Alabama’s Quarterback History
To understand the weight of McElroy’s perspective, it’s essential to reflect on Alabama’s quarterback history. The Crimson Tide, under head coach Nick Saban, has experienced a plethora of standout quarterbacks over the years. From the steady play of John Parker Wilson to the dynamic leadership of AJ McCarron and the eventual stardom of Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama has traditionally had consistent and efficient play under center. However, the recent years have seen some tumultuous quarterback play, particularly following the departure of Tua to the NFL.
The transition from Tua to Mac Jones in 2020 seemed seamless, but once Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Alabama once again found itself in a bit of a quarterback flux. Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, was the presumed heir to the throne and provided stability. However, with Young declaring for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season, Alabama is faced with one of its most significant quarterback battles in recent history.
The Spring of Uncertainty
Heading into the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide is trying to figure out who will take the reins under center. There are several candidates vying for the starting job, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Ty Simpson, a highly touted freshman from the class of 2024, is one of the frontrunners for the job. Simpson’s athleticism, strong arm, and experience as a dual-threat quarterback make him an appealing option for the Alabama coaching staff. However, his lack of experience at the college level could be a concern.
Additionally, Jalen Milroe, another quarterback with significant potential, has been in the mix as a potential starter. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, particularly as a runner, but struggled with consistency in the passing game. While his dual-threat ability has earned him praise, the question remains whether he can develop the consistency needed to lead Alabama to a national title.
With so much uncertainty around the position, it was clear that McElroy’s insight would be valuable. McElroy, who played for Alabama from 2007 to 2010 and led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2009, is no stranger to the pressure of being the starting quarterback at Alabama. He has an understanding of the program’s culture, expectations, and the demands placed on its signal-callers.
McElroy’s Substantiation of the Quarterback Hunch
Greg McElroy, who has transitioned into a successful media career since his playing days, was recently asked for his thoughts on Alabama’s quarterback situation. Over the course of the spring, McElroy has consistently voiced his belief that Jalen Milroe would emerge as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide in 2025. His confidence in this prediction has been bolstered by several key observations throughout spring practices and his understanding of Alabama’s system.
McElroy’s reasoning behind his hunch revolves around several key factors, the first of which is Milroe’s dual-threat ability. Alabama has long been known for utilizing a balanced offensive attack, but in recent years, the team has relied more heavily on the quarterback’s ability to make plays with their legs. Milroe, who has shown glimpses of his rushing prowess, is an ideal fit for this type of offense. His mobility allows him to extend plays, evade pressure, and create opportunities for explosive gains. In a system where playmaking ability is paramount, McElroy believes Milroe’s ability to make things happen with his legs gives him a distinct edge over the other quarterbacks in the competition.
Beyond his dual-threat abilities, McElroy has pointed to Milroe’s improved mechanics and decision-making as reasons for his belief that Milroe will eventually win the starting job. During spring practices, McElroy observed that Milroe has shown significant strides in his passing accuracy and ability to read defenses. This development is crucial for Milroe, who had struggled with consistency in the passing game during his limited appearances in 2023. If Milroe can continue to refine his mechanics and become more reliable as a passer, he could emerge as the complete package that Alabama’s offense needs to succeed.
The Importance of Leadership and Experience
Another factor that McElroy highlights in favor of Milroe is his experience in the Alabama system. While Milroe has not been a full-time starter, he has seen considerable playing time in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, especially when Bryce Young was out with injuries. This experience has allowed Milroe to become familiar with the expectations and intensity that come with playing for Alabama. McElroy points out that this familiarity with the program, coupled with Milroe’s leadership qualities, could give him the edge over a younger quarterback like Simpson, who is still acclimating to the collegiate level.
The importance of leadership cannot be overstated in the Alabama program, where players are expected to be mature, poised under pressure, and capable of leading their team in high-stakes situations. McElroy knows that Alabama’s quarterbacks are not just expected to execute plays; they must also command respect in the locker room and on the field. Milroe’s presence in the program for several seasons, his work ethic, and his ability to lead by example make him a logical choice for a team that demands strong leadership from its quarterback.
Challenges and Criticisms of Milroe’s Game
While McElroy has expressed his belief that Milroe will ultimately be the starting quarterback, he is not blind to the challenges that lie ahead for the young signal-caller. One of the criticisms of Milroe’s game has been his tendency to struggle with accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. In the high-pressure environment of Alabama football, where precision is essential, this could pose a significant hurdle for Milroe. However, McElroy remains optimistic that Milroe’s work ethic and commitment to improvement will allow him to overcome these issues.
Another challenge that Milroe faces is the expectation of immediate success at a program with championship aspirations. Alabama does not have the luxury of a rebuilding year, and the quarterback position is expected to be a strength, not a question mark. While Milroe has the tools to succeed, it will be crucial for him to develop the consistency and poise needed to lead Alabama to another national title.
The Road Ahead
As Alabama heads into the summer and ultimately the 2025 season, the quarterback battle will remain one of the most closely watched storylines in college football. While Jalen Milroe has emerged as the favorite in Greg McElroy’s estimation, there are still plenty of hurdles to clear. Spring practices, summer workouts, and preseason camps will all play a role in determining who ultimately takes the field as the starter when Alabama kicks off its season.
For Alabama fans, the quarterback position is always a point of interest. The program’s rich history and sustained success demand elite play at the position. Whether it is Milroe or another candidate who wins the job, the expectation is clear: Alabama must have a quarterback capable of executing at a high level and leading the team to another championship. McElroy’s insight into the situation provides clarity and context, but the final decision will ultimately lie with Nick Saban and his coaching staff.
As the 2025 season approaches, the hunch that has persisted throughout the spring — the belief that Jalen Milroe will be Alabama’s starting quarterback — seems to be gaining traction. Whether McElroy’s prediction proves accurate will be determined in the coming months, but one thing is certain: Alabama’s quarterback battle will be one of the most fascinating narratives to follow in the world of college football.