After the second of three Alabama Football scrimmages this spring, the Crimson Tide's quarterback situation has become more clear. According to Alabama football insiders in attendance, Ty Simpson had another strong scrimmage performance. As he has done all spring, Keelon Russell's high ceiling as an Alabama Football starter was evident.
At this point, Simpson shows all the skills of a QB1. Russell wows with potential but is still learning the offense. Despite Austin Mack having an advantage of knowing the DeBoer/Grubb offense, insiders project him as QB3. That is good news and bad news for Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb. Two weeks ago, some college pundits claimed Mack has the tools to win Alabama's starting quarterback job. Since then, he has struggled in a practice, and on Friday, his inconsistent performance gave little indication that he will ever start a game for Alabama Football.
Kalen DeBoer's post-scrimmage comments were far more positive about all three quarterbacks. That does not mean the perspectives of Alabama football insiders are flawed. It could mean that DeBoer is being careful and trying to avoid transfer attrition.
Even before Friday's scrimmage, some pundits proclaimed the best path for Mack would be a spring transfer. So far, no Alabama football insider has reported that Mack is considering a transfer. DeBoer and Grubb value Mack and highly rate his potential. No doubt they want him to remain with the Crimson Tide. A 2025 season with Alabama's QB3 coming from a pool of walk-ons is a scary proposition.
Transfer Portal Addition and Alabama Football
If Mack hits the Portal, Alabama could add a transfer, but doing so would be only a band-aid solution when the wound needs stitches. Quarterbacks transfer for playing time, not to sit. Alabama could perhaps overspend enough to gain a competent backup to Simpson and Russell, but that, too, is problematic.
The best-case scenario for Alabama Football is for Mack to remain in Tuscaloosa. He can continue to progress, and perhaps reach the potential DeBoer and Grubb see in him. It is also possible that Alabama's makeshift spring offensive line is putting Mack in so much duress that he is too often holding the ball too long or forcing throws.
Whatever is the real situation with the Crimson Tide's quarterback room, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama Football need Austin Mack in the 2025 season.