Greg McElroy understands the pressures of being Alabama’s starting quarterback, having been through it himself. While the program has evolved from the days of Nick Saban to now under Kalen DeBoer, the goal in Tuscaloosa is still the same: win championships or bust.
Back in 2010, McElroy felt the weight of those expectations firsthand as he guided Alabama to a BCS National Championship victory over Texas at the Rose Bowl. After some time as an NFL backup, he’s transitioned into a well-regarded college football analyst.
Looking at the current Crimson Tide roster, McElroy sees redshirt junior Ty Simpson as the likely successor to Jalen Milroe at quarterback. Simpson is competing with redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, who joined from Washington along with DeBoer, and Keelon Russell, a highly-touted freshman from Alabama’s 2025 class.
During a recent appearance on the “Andy and Ari On3 Podcast,” McElroy shared his thoughts on the quarterback competition gearing up for the 2025 season. “I still think Ty Simpson is the one to beat,” McElroy mentioned. “Of course, that might change. Other players could step up and surprise us. If you’d asked me a couple of years ago, I’d have said Simpson was the top choice based on what the coaching staff thought. They believed he had the skills to take the offense to its highest level.”
McElroy noted that Simpson struggled in the 2024 spring and was just average in the fall as a redshirt freshman, paving the way for Milroe to take the starting spot. He’s uncertain if DeBoer will immediately name a starter, wary of causing discontent with only three quarterbacks on scholarship.
While McElroy acknowledges that Mack and Russell may offer more potential, he believes Simpson’s experience could give him an edge. “It’s going to be fascinating to watch,” he added. “I’d be surprised if we don’t see Ty starting for the Tide at the beginning of the year.”
Though Simpson has only attempted 50 passes in three seasons without finding the end zone, McElroy thinks that could change soon if things play out as he predicts.
