On Alabama Football 'Opt-Ins' and no need for a Portal Quarterback

The early days of the current Transfer Portal cycle have been mostly uneventful for Alabama Football. That could change at any time. Players with the potential to succeed elsewhere are leaving, but so far, none should be considered essential to the 2025 success of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Perhaps the least surprising transfer exit is Alabama losing a quarterback. Dylan Lonergan is expected to find greater playing opportunities with a new team. Lonergan has a significant upside, with the skill set to land a starting role on many FBS teams.

Most Alabama football fans are counting the 2025 QB room to include three guys. That count does not include Jalen Milroe who expected to move to the NFL. Milroe has another eligible year, but with almost every NFL Draft projection showing him as a first-rounder, it seems he will have an easy decision.

Jalen Milroe and Alabama Football - Go or No Go?

Jalen is in no hurry to decide (or disclose) what he intends to do. Milroe recently said all his focus is on the ReliaQuest Bowl game against Michigan, "The mission right now is to complete the season. We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan. That's the whole thought process right now, being our absolute best. We can take care of our business when it goes to playing in Tampa. It's all about going 1-0, preparing the right way. So that's my focus: win this game, preparing the right way, take care of my body so we can be our best us."

Milroe is not the only 'Opt-In' for the Michigan game. Tyler Booker and Jihaad Campbell are two more, key Alabama Crimson Tide players who will compete against the Wolverines.

There is a subplot to Alabama football, player transition decisions, especially at quarterback. There are Crimson Tide fans who respect Milroe for the young man he is and for his success as the Tide's starting QB, but also prefer a new starter next season. Some of those fans want Ty Simpson to get more snaps against Michigan than Milroe.

The Alabama football fanbase is always ripe for a quarterback controversy. The situation is not yet to that point. There is also some concern that going into the 2025 season with only Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell is one short of enough QBs.

Despite concerns from fans, there is no indication Alabama is or will be in the market for a transfer quarterback. One reason is every top QB, transfer prospect is looking for a sure, starting role. That is not available in Tuscaloosa. The other reason why three roster QBs would be enough is the Crimson Tide already has two players who were outstanding high school quarterbacks; Jaylen Mbakwe and Bray Hubbard. If multiple injuries caused an emergency in the 2025 season, either of the Crimson Tide defenders could step in.