Alabama fans already calling for 5-star QB after disastrous start in Week 1

When Jalen Milroe left for the NFL, Kalen DeBoer opened a three-way quarterback battle between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and five-star freshman Keelon Russell. Simpson, a redshirt junior entering his fourth season in Tuscaloosa, started in pole position and eventually was awarded the job. 

However, just three quarters into Alabama’s Week 1 matchup with Florida State, Alabama fans are already questioning if DeBoer made the right call. Simpson and the Alabama offense haven’t had any answers on the road at Doak Campbell Stadium, falling behind 24-10 in the third quarter. 

Simpson has spent most of the game under duress with a struggling offensive line in front of him. That same line has failed to establish the run game, but after a 9-4 record last season, Alabama fans aren’t interested in nuance; they want results. Many fans feel that Russell can be the one to deliver them. 

Alabama fans have seen a freshman save the day before, but Russell didn't get the chance coming out of the break in Tallahasee.

Crimson Tide faithful pleading Kalen DeBoer to bench Ty Simpson for Keelon Russell in Week 1

Russell was the No. 2 player in the 2025 recruiting class, checking in behind Bryce Underwood, who became the Day 1 starter at Michigan following the Wolverines' disastrous national title defense last year. Russell, however, is starting buried on the depth chart, with DeBoer deciding not to name a QB2 coming out of fall camp. 

As for the nuance to the situation, it’s not just that it’s Simpson’s first start, though that’s a massive factor. He’s also making it without right guard Jaeden Roberts and starting running back Jam Miller. Miller was expected to carry a major load in the backfield after Milroe’s departure and Justice Haynes’s decision to transfer to Michigan. 

Miller injured his collarbone in Alabama’s second scrimmage of fall camp, forcing him to miss an extended stretch to start the season. With a struggling rushing attack, Russell could make sense as an option for the Tide, if DeBoer was willing to pull the ripcord on Simpson this early. 

While he’s best operating from the pocket, Russell is an athletic playmaker, creating plays outside of the pocket and presenting a threat with his legs. DeBoer would have to switch back to a more option-based attack, as he and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan ran with Milroe a season ago, and that shift could be a lot to ask midgame in Week 1.