Alabama’s quarterback battle is heating up, but behind the scenes, Kalen DeBoer is playing a risky game of balance. With spring camp wrapping up, the Crimson Tide head coach isn’t just focused on naming a starter—he’s trying to keep his QB room from falling apart. DeBoer’s already on high alert, taking unusual steps to protect his passers in a landscape where depth is fragile and the transfer portal is always lurking.

“You’re scared, I’m scared too,” DeBoer admitted. It’s not often you hear a head coach admit he’s scared, but that’s exactly what Kalen DeBoer did when asked about Alabama’s quarterback depth. Last season, the Tide had four scholarship quarterbacks—a luxury in today’s transfer-happy landscape. This year, that number has decreased, and DeBoer understands that he is in a precarious situation.

“We had four last year. That was a luxury,” DeBoer said. “The defense has never heard stay away from the quarterback more than they have this spring.” And here’s why: in this new era of college football, depth is no longer guaranteed. The moment a player is told he’s a backup, he might be in the portal the next day. DeBoer has already hinted at that reality—players want reps, not promises. If even one quarterback goes down, Alabama could be left scrambling with a shallow roster and limited experience.

The potential for a full-blown injury crisis is what’s driving the unthinkable. Rather than ramping up spring competition, DeBoer has pulled back. The defense has been warned to keep their hands off the quarterbacks, and it’s not just about protecting Ty Simpson—it’s about protecting the season. That’s why practices this spring have felt more like triage than trial by fire. One bad hit could blow it all up, and DeBoer’s not taking any chances.

DeBoer didn’t just talk about depth—he also dropped some insight on the quarterback pecking order. While Ty Simpson is leading the charge, Austin Mack isn’t backing down. “This was the most reps he’s ever had,” DeBoer shared. “He sees the growth. He sees his development.”

The former Washington transfer has stuck it out, and he’s finally getting a real shot this spring. Mack’s work ethic has kept him in the conversation despite being buried on the depth chart last season. In a room full of talent and uncertainty, DeBoer values the trust he’s built with Mack over three years. And while he didn’t spell out the depth chart, it’s clear Mack isn’t going anywhere—yet.

Ryan Grubb drops a bombshell

Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator for Alabama, firmly established Ty Simpson as the current leader in the quarterback race. “If we’re playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start. He earned that,” Grubb told Rivals. Simpson, now a redshirt junior, has quietly climbed the ranks, and his performance this spring sealed his lead.

He was the only QB to go interception-free in the A-Day scrimmage and earned praise for his accuracy and learning curve. But Grubb didn’t close the door on the others. He praised Mack’s progress and freshman Keelon Russell’s maturity, making it clear the competition is far from over. The QB race may have a frontrunner, but the finish line is months away.

Alabama’s QB situation is far from settled—but it’s delicate. The Tide are delicately balancing between the rise of Ty Simpson, the quiet patience of Austin Mack, and the looming potential of Keelon Russell. Kalen DeBoer’s job isn’t just to name a starter—it’s to make sure he has one left standing by September. If this necessitates taking the unorthodox approach of instructing Alabama defenders to reduce their hits, then that’s perfectly acceptable. In this era of college football, survival might just be the new standard.