Phil Steele breaks down thoughts on Alabama’s quarterback room

It’s anyone’s guess what Alabama does at the quarterback position in 2023. With Bryce Young being drafted No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, three players are in competition this offseason to take his place as the Crimson Tide’s starter.

Alabama brings back Jalen Milroe and former five-star prospect Ty Simpson from this past season. It also went to the transfer portal to add former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner. Phil Steele, who releases an annual college football preview magazine, gave his analysis of the situation in a recent radio appearance.

“It’s a toss up. I don’t think anybody really knows who’s gonna win it,” Steele said on 99.1 The Sports Animal in Knoxville. “Jalen Milroe gives you that dynamic athlete. He can run. He’s got a cannon for an arm. He just needs to be consistent throwing the football. I think at Alabama they’ve where, maybe a long time ago they could get by with just a mobile quarterback. Now, they need someone to throw the football. I think Milroe has improved and can improve as the season goes on. Ty Simpson’s a guy that’s been there. He’s one of the top quarterbacks coming out of high school.”

Milroe got a chance to start this past season against Texas A&M after Young suffered a shoulder injury the week prior. He led Alabama to a 24-20 victory while going 12-of-19 passing for 111 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also added 81 yards rushing.

As Steele mentioned, Milroe would provide a dual-threat layer for the Crimson Tide. However, he must prove that he can consistently make plays with his arm as well.

Simpson was listed as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2022 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He saw limited time as a true freshman, but his high ranking certainly provides some intrigue.

When it came time to make a prediction on the Alabama starting quarterback, however, Steele went with Buchner. The former Fighting Irish quarterback already has familiarity with first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees after working with him for the past two seasons at Notre Dame.

Buchner began last year as the Fighting Irish’s starter but suffered an injury in a Week 2 loss to Marshall. He did not return to action until Notre Dame’s Gator Bowl win against South Carolina, during which he threw for 273 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

“I projected Buchner to win the job because Buchner’s got the familiarity in Tommy Rees’ system from Notre Dame,” Steele said. “He’s also got the starting experience and I think he’s a really good quarterback. It’s gonna be a toss up, but I went with Buchner.”

Ultimately only time will tell which players wins the Alabama starting quarterback job. The Crimson Tide have a little less than two months to decide before opening the season against Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2.

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