At Alabama, competition isn't about being handed a role — it's about earning it every single day. It's a lot like two shooters in the gym playing a game of make-it-take-it with everything on the line. There's no reset, no rotation — just pressure, repetition, and the understanding that one miss can swing everything. It's not personal, it's the standard. And the ones who embrace that grind are usually the ones left standing in the end.
That's the mindset Kalen DeBoer is seeking from returning starter Connor Talty and Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn this spring, as the Crimson Tide conduct their open battle for starting kicker. The intensity between the two was clear on Friday, when the third-year Alabama head coach spoke to reporters following the Tide's first official spring of camp.
“When you bring in someone else, it’s open competition,” DeBoer said. “It’s pretty obvious to Conor that that’s the case. What I love about Conor is that he didn’t shy away from it. He decided to stay here. He knew he could’ve had plenty of time to leave if he wanted to. He wanted to. He wanted to stay here. He’s got it in him. Just continue to battle and, you know, that competition there — I like it. We’re going to be good, no matter who it is and whoever wins out, because both of them have a pretty high ceiling.”
Lorcan Quinn will push Conor Talty for Alabama's starting spot at kicker
Quinn brings a proven leg and strong resume from the Sun Belt Conference, where he showed both range and confidence in 2025. The Ireland native connected on 18-of-24 field goals (75%), including 4-of-6 from 50+ yards, setting a Marshall program record with a long of 55 yards. Quinn also tallied 46 touchbacks on kickoffs, consistently flipping field position and providing his team a dynamic special teams weapon.
Talty, meanwhile, returns with familiarity and composure in Alabama's system, entering his third season in Tuscaloosa as a redshirt sophomore. He handled the bulk of duties in 2025, connecting on 15-of-19 field goals (78%) and 48-of-49 extra points, with a season-long of 47 yards and 32 touchbacks. While generally solid, Talty struggled on longer attempts, making just 4-of-7 from 40+ yards out, leaving Crimson Tide fans scratching their heads on countless Saturdays.
With Quinn's leg strength and Talty's experience of highs and lows, the battle is shaping up to be a true test of who can be the most consistent option for Alabama in 2026 — exactly the kind of competition DeBoer believes produces the best players.