The Alabama quarterback that Isaiah Horton, the new wide receiver, already clicks with: “He’s a stud.”

When Isaiah Horton made the decision to transfer to Alabama, he knew exactly what he was walking into—a storied program with sky-high expectations, national scrutiny, and a fierce quarterback competition. What he might not have fully anticipated, though, was how quickly he would find a rhythm with one particular quarterback on the Crimson Tide roster. As spring practice heats up in Tuscaloosa, all eyes are on Horton and his budding connection with a rising quarterback many believe could become the face of Alabama’s offense in the coming seasons.

That quarterback is redshirt sophomore Dylan Lonergan, a name that’s been floating around the Alabama facilities with increasing weight over the past year. While much of the national spotlight has hovered over Jalen Milroe, Lonergan has quietly impressed the coaching staff with his poise, precision, and leadership. And now, with Horton arriving from Miami looking to make his mark in the SEC, it seems Lonergan might have found his favorite target.

Horton, a former four-star recruit, transferred from the Hurricanes looking for more opportunity and a system that could help him unlock his full potential. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, Horton has the size, speed, and ball-tracking ability to be a major factor in any offense. But what’s caught the attention of observers at Alabama’s spring practices isn’t just Horton’s athleticism—it’s the synergy he’s already displaying with Lonergan.

“Dylan’s a stud,” Horton said after a recent practice. “He throws one of the prettiest balls I’ve ever caught. The touch, the timing, the confidence—it’s all there. We’ve been building chemistry fast, and it just feels natural.”

That chemistry has been on full display in scrimmages and 7-on-7 drills. While other receivers are still working through timing and spacing with different quarterbacks, Horton and Lonergan have connected seamlessly on deep balls, intermediate slants, and tight red zone throws. It’s the kind of rapport that usually takes months—sometimes years—to develop. But for these two, it appears to be happening in real time.

According to sources inside the program, the connection isn’t an accident. The two have been working together outside of scheduled team sessions, spending extra hours in the film room and on the practice field refining routes and timing. Lonergan, known for his meticulous approach, has found in Horton a receiver who shares his level of preparation and attention to detail.

Wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard has taken notice of the pairing. “Those two? They’ve got something brewing,” Shephard said. “You can see it in how they communicate on the field. Horton knows where the ball’s going to be before it’s thrown, and Dylan trusts him to be there. That kind of trust, that early? It’s rare.”

The timing could not be more critical for both players. For Horton, Alabama represents a fresh start and a chance to reintroduce himself on a national stage. After limited opportunities at Miami, he’s hungry to prove that he belongs in the conversation with the best receivers in the SEC. He has the build to win contested catches, the speed to stretch the field, and now, he might have the quarterback to help him put it all together.

For Lonergan, the 2025 season could be a career-defining moment. With Milroe expected to enter the NFL Draft after the season, Lonergan is positioning himself as the heir apparent. The redshirt sophomore is using every opportunity this spring to show that he’s ready not just to compete, but to lead. Having a go-to target like Horton could make all the difference.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has praised the competitiveness in the quarterback room but has not shied away from highlighting Lonergan’s progress. “Dylan has taken huge steps,” DeBoer noted after the Tide’s second scrimmage. “His command of the offense is getting better every day, and his chemistry with the receivers, especially Horton, has been fun to watch develop.”

That development is rooted in trust. Horton has spoken openly about the challenges of transferring into a new program—learning a new playbook, adjusting to a different coaching style, and earning the respect of teammates. But Lonergan made the transition easier. From day one, he sought out Horton, initiated reps, and welcomed him into the offensive rhythm. It was an intentional act of leadership that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“He didn’t treat me like the new guy,” Horton said. “From the first day we met, it was like, ‘Let’s get to work. Let’s build something.’ That meant a lot to me. And I think it’s showing up now when we take the field.”

Their connection could also be pivotal for an Alabama offense in transition. With a new coaching staff and several skill players moving on to the NFL, there’s a clear opportunity for new stars to emerge. Horton, with his physical tools and now-growing rapport with one of the Tide’s most promising quarterbacks, could be one of those breakout players.

It’s also clear that the Horton-Lonergan duo could help shape Alabama’s offensive identity moving forward. While Milroe brings an explosive dual-threat style that has thrilled fans and terrified defenses, Lonergan’s approach is more traditional—built on timing, accuracy, and anticipation. That style pairs well with a precise route-runner like Horton, who thrives on subtle cuts and high-point catches.

During spring practices, the duo has connected on back-shoulder fades, deep outs, and even a few trick plays that have kept defenders guessing. Their ability to adjust on the fly and read each other’s body language has stood out to teammates and coaches alike.

Senior cornerback Terrion Arnold, one of Alabama’s top defensive players, has lined up against Horton and offered high praise. “That kid can play,” Arnold said. “And when Dylan’s throwing to him, you’ve got to be locked in. They’re already operating like they’ve played together for years.”

That kind of endorsement speaks volumes. The SEC is unforgiving, and nothing comes easy. But if spring is any indication, Horton and Lonergan are laying the foundation for something special.

What lies ahead for the tandem remains to be seen. Fall camp will bring more competition, more reps, and more pressure. But the groundwork is there. The trust, the timing, the communication—it’s all pointing in the right direction. And for a program that thrives on building from within and developing chemistry-driven units, that’s music to Alabama’s ears.

For Horton, the journey is just beginning. Transferring to a new school is always a leap of faith, but his early success in Tuscaloosa—fueled by his connection with Lonergan—is validating his decision. “I came here to compete, to grow, and to win,” Horton said. “And I know with Dylan, we can do all of that and more.”

As Alabama continues its march toward another potential championship season, much of the spotlight will remain on the quarterback position. But behind the scenes, a connection is forming that could shape the offense not just this season, but for years to come. Dylan Lonergan and Isaiah Horton are quietly becoming one of the most intriguing stories in college football—a quarterback and a receiver, each with something to prove, and everything to gain.