Alabama Football: A new type of QB debate for the Crimson Tide

For the offseason followers of Alabama Football message boards, this subject comes as no surprise. Nonetheless, I confess to initially being somewhat surprised. I knew there would be disagreement among fans over the Alabama Crimson Tide’s next QB1. But I didn’t think many Alabama fans would think the solution is finding an immediately eligible, transfer quarterback.

After all, two Alabama quarterbacks return. Their best talents are easy to see. Plus the incoming freshmen were highly rated, in the case at some point, QB3 must become QB2.

Apparently, what was some limited chatter about the Crimson Tide going into the Portal for a starting QB – is growing. One reason for the added chatter is media narratives, with both Paul Finebaum and Greg McElroy suggesting Nick Saban might turn to the Portal for another QB. One of those guys knows a lot about quarterbacking. The other is a master of sizzle who readily admits he knows little about the actual game of football. These days there are platforms aplenty not requiring a depth of knowledge for the sports being covered.

Alabama Football and Portal Shopping

Often missed in the recent chatter is IF, Nick Saban wants another quarterback, how many real prospects are there? Not many; is the starting point. There is little reason to think Saban would bring an unproven guy. He has four of those already and all four of them are potentially better than any QB now in the Portal. The ones that are proven are few, given how few have ‘proven’ themselves against SEC-level defenses. Not to mention, the top ones are settled in elsewhere.

According to Transfer QB rankings provided by On3, the top available QB in the Portal is former Oregon State QB, Chance Nolan. There are dozens more not as good as Nolan, who would have to come to Tuscaloosa battling the two freshmen and at least one walk-on, to maybe become Saban’s No. 4.

Nick Saban is not looking in the Portal for a QB. If he is interested in one, it will be a current starter for a good, Power Five team. Alabama football fans have hoped for months that Drake Maye would leave Chapel Hill and come to Tuscaloosa. That could theoretically happen, though it is not likely.

What is known is that Alabama cannot add a current SEC quarterback to be eligible next season. The allowed window for SEC to SEC transfers has passed.

There is another little-discussed impediment. In my opinion, Nick Saban will not guarantee anyone a starting job. A new QB would have to earn it over the summer and in fall camp. And if Saban went against his principle that all jobs must be earned, team morale would be at risk.

I am sure it’s clear I doubt the soundness of adding a transfer QB – unless Nick Saban believes it is necessary. And if he does, then I’m all for it.