The most critical decision Kalen DeBoer will make during his first year as head coach of the University of Alabama is at quarterback. Who will lead the Crimson Tide in 2024?!
There is still a long way to go between now and August 31, when Western Kentucky visits Tuscaloosa for its opening game of the season. Winter exercises will soon begin. Spring is a couple of months away. Fall camp isn’t even an option.
Perhaps most importantly, a second transfer portal opportunity will open on April 16. Rosters around the country will change.
However, as things stand, DeBoer has three possibilities for the most important position on the field. “As things currently stand” is the essential phrase here. It is fluid.
Jalen Milroe has made it clear that he intends to return as the incumbent starter next season. Ty Simpson, a five-star prospect in the college football recruiting class of 2022, is also expected to run it back. And then there’s Dylan Lonergan, a former four-star recruit from last year’s class who has yet to say whether he’ll stay or go.
Julian Sayin, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class, has also committed to Alabama. He recently announced his transfer to Ohio State.
DeBoer has Lonergan, Simpson, and Milroe. Technically, all three could opt to enter the portal. They have 30 days to do so following Nick Saban’s retirement on January 10.
Alabama is keeping the quarterback position open.
Following the spring practice period, a new influx of quarterbacks will enter the portal. If DeBoer is dissatisfied with the men in his system, he can look for someone else.
It is also feasible that the 49-year-old will try to add a quarterback in the next few days or weeks. He has already missed one!
After Jedd Fisch resigned to accept DeBoer’s job in Seattle, Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan were prominent transfer prospects. Fifita’s father claims they both received an offer from the Crimson Tide. They both decided to stay in Tucson when the Wildcats’ major contributor pledged NIL money.
DeBoer misfired!
There are also other prospective quarterbacks being courted right now. Some of them may be more interested in the SEC than others.
ormer Will Rogers, a Mississippi State signal-caller, transferred to Washington with aspirations to succeed Michael Penix Jr. in DeBoer’s scheme. He reentered the portal after the head coach had left. Maybe they could get back together in Tuscaloosa.
The same goes for Dermaricus Davis, a four-star recruit in 2024. He had also committed to playing with the Huskies before DeBoer left. A reunion there seemed unlikely.
The list continues as follows:
- Jordan McCloud, James Madison
- Jeff Sims, Nebraska
- Tanner Bailey, South Carolina
- Drew Pyne, Arizona State
- Mack Howard, Utah
Those names don’t necessarily stand out on the page. Especially with Milroe, Simpson, and Lonergan.
Kalen DeBoer has a decision to make!
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