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The Alabama quarterback race is in full swing with the football team participating in spring practice. An unexpected passer is reportedly turning heads.
Austin Mack has been named a “serious contender” to win the starting job. He has plans to make his top competition regret his Alabama return.
Alabama QB Austin Mack has been turning heads in spring practice and is a serious contender for the starting job, sources tell @PeteNakos_👀
Intel: https://t.co/pE6PhlgmEZ pic.twitter.com/qwNM0DHqtX
— On3 (@On3sports) March 19, 2025
Ty Simpson has been with the program for the last three years. He signed with Nick Saban in 2022 and has appeared in 16 games as Jalen Milroe’s backup.
He had the option to hit the transfer portal following Saban’s abrupt retirement in 2023. A former five-star recruit, he would’ve drawn significant interest from notable suitors. Instead, he decided to stay in Tuscaloosa with the next head coach.
Kalen DeBoer got the job. Simpson again played a QB2 role behind Milroe last year. The starting job was expected to be his for the taking in 2025. Now, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
DeBoer brought with him Austin Mack from Washington. Mack was considered a four-star passer in the 2023 recruiting class. The 6-6 sophomore never appeared in a game for the Huskies. He played in one game with the Crimson Tide in 2024.
Still, DeBoer brought him over for a reason. Most though that reason was depth. Mack insists he’s here to compete.
Ty Simpson has been loyal to the Alabama football program. He chose to stay when many would’ve left. He’s been repaid with his head coach bringing in a handpicked transfer and a five-star freshman in Keelon Russell.
While early reports suggest Austin Mack has a legitimate chance to win the starting job, this race is far from over. The Crimson Tide will continue through spring practice and then fall camp before coming to a decision.
Simpson might still be considered the frontrunner. Kalen DeBoer’s guy isn’t far behind.