Tag: QB

Alabama QB Ty Simpson will reportedly not enter transfer portal

Alabama QB Ty Simpson is not expected to enter the now-open spring transfer portal. He will stick with Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.

The 2024 spring transfer portal window is now open for the next two weeks, which means players from programs all across the country can leave their current team in hopes of finding another. The portal gives, and the portal takes. Alabama Crimson Tide football fans are both excited and nervous about how the spring portal window could impact the 2024 roster.

Kalen DeBoer heading into his first season as the Crimson Tide head coach looks to pick up where legendary coach Nick Saban left off. However, it’s a difficult task to do in the ever-changing landscape that is college football in 2024.

One player that Alabama seems to have secured is quarterback Ty Simpson, according to Ryan Fowler of Tide 100.9’s The Game. The redshirt sophomore out of Martin, Tennessee was QB2 behind Jalen Milroe in 2023 and is expected to serve in the same role for the upcoming season.

With DeBoer at the helm of the program and a new-look coaching staff, no job is guaranteed on this team. A healthy quarterback competition is usually beneficial for the program. Simpson sees value in staying in Tuscaloosa.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football and the transfer portal as updates become available.

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Is Jalen Milroe a top-5 QB in Kalen DeBoer’s offense?

Jalen Milroe is poised to have a strong 2024 college football season, but how does having a new coach impact his ranking?

Alabama football has undergone many changes in the 2024 offseason, and they aren’t done yet. With a new head coaching, a mostly new coaching staff and high roster turnover, there are many questions looming over the Crimson Tide heading into 2024. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, however, is the one constant that fans can look forward to seeing take the field next season.

Milroe fought hard for the starting quarterback job ahead of, and early in, the 2023 season. After winning the QB1 position, Milroe improved throughout the season. When it was all said and done, he secured the starting job and finished No. 6 in the final Heisman Trophy voting.

Coming back for the 2024 season, Milroe is poised to improve. A large factor in his improvement is expected to be new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Recently retired head coach Nick Saban was a defensive-minded coach and did not have his hands on the offense all too much. DeBoer joins the program with a breadth of offensive experience and his resumé speaks to that.

Most recently, at Washington, DeBoer coached up quarterback Michael Penix, who is now slated to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. While Milroe and Penix harbor different skillsets, there’s strong belief that Milroe will benefit from DeBoer’s coaching, just as Penix did.

Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire recently put together a list of the top-10 quarterbacks in college football heading into the 2024 season and ranked Milroe at No. 5

“Milroe is different than most of the quarterbacks on our list, he can beat you in a variety of ways,” writes Conn. “His athleticism was on full display in his first year as a starter. While throwing for almost 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, the Crimson Tide dual-threat also added 531 yards and 12 scores on the ground. One should expect his game to elevated in Kalen DeBoer’s offense.”

With some players hitting the portal, some going to the NFL and others no longer having any remaining eligibility, the Alabama offense will have a new look. This should not come as a surprise to many, as the roster turnover isn’t as big of a factor as the new mindset of the coaching staff.

The real question is how all of this will impact Milroe in 2024. As Conn predicts, playing under DeBoer will elevate his game.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Milroe, DeBoer and Alabama football as the 2024 offseason progresses.

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Is Alabama’s Jalen Milroe a top-10 QB in 2024?

Jalen Milroe returns to Alabama for the 2024 college football season. Is he a top-10 QB in the nation?

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is set to return as the Tide’s starter for the 2024 season. While he became a reliable passer for the team as the season went on, there are many that question whether he will be able to improve enough over the offseason to keep the program in playoff contention.

ESPN recently ranked the top-10 quarterbacks heading into the 2024 college football season and Milroe did more than just make the cut. His ranking matches his jersey number: four.

Ahead of Milroe is Georgia‘s Carson Beck, Oregon‘s Dillon Gabriel and Texas‘s Quinn Ewers.

Last season, Milroe threw for 2,834 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, six interceptions. he also has 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Adam Rittenberg of ESPN explained Milroe’s ranking,

“When Alabama benched Milroe following a Week 2 loss to Texas in 2023, few expected him to project as a top-five quarterback for the following season. But he responded well to the setback, developing his downfield passing skills and other areas, and helping the Tide to an SEC championship and a CFP appearance.”

What Milroe has in store for the 2024 season must extend beyond the field of play. With head coach Nick Saban retired, Milroe must serve as a veteran leader for the team. Players will look to him for guidance as the Crimson Tide seeks to retain elite status in the early stages of a new era in Tuscaloosa.

“His next challenge will be adjusting to a new coaching staff, led by Kalen DeBoer and coordinator Nick Sheridan,” writes Rittenberg. “DeBoer transformed Michael Penix Jr. into a record-setting passer and undoubtedly will feature Milroe’s deep-ball talent. Like Penix did at Washington, Milroe will need much better protection after taking 44 sacks in 2023, including six against Michigan in the CFP semifinal. But if he can maintain or elevate his efficiency, he will be in the mix for the Heisman Trophy and other national awards this fall.”

For now, it’s all about Milroe adjusting to the new coaching staff, new playbook and getting the roster to buy in to what coach Kalen DeBoer is selling.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Jalen Milroe and other Alabama players as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

RUMOR: Patriots could deal Mac Jones before 2024 NFL draft

Perhaps Mac Jones needs a change. The New England Patriots could trade him before the 2024 NFL draft.

Former Alabama standout quarterback, national championship winner, Heisman Trophy finalist and first-round pick, Mac Jones, could soon be traded. The New England Patriots have regressed significantly since Tom Brady left. Now, Bill Belichick has walked away from the franchise and a new start is what’s likely needed.

A recent report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero states that Jones is not a part of the future plans for the new coaching staff and they have already turned their attention to acquiring a new starter on draft day.

“The Patriots sit at No. 3 [overall], and all indications are they will seriously consider taking a quarterback there,” Tom Pelissero reports. “In fact, one of the big questions when they were interviewing offensive coordinator candidates was, ‘What is your evaluation of those top quarterbacks?’ They end up hiring Alex Van Pelt, who’s gonna play a major role in developing whoever that young quarterback could be.”

It’s likely that Jones could be on the move before the 2024 NFL draft and would have to fight for a starting job no matter where he ends up. Based on recent performance, there aren’t many job openings available where the incumbent starter isn’t up to Jones’s par.

There will be a lot more information on Jones and other players possibly on the move in the coming weeks as the offseason gets into full swing.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow former Alabama players in the NFL throughout the offseason.

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Former Alabama QB Julian Sayin transfers to Ohio State

Julian Sayin recently hit the portal, and he has now announced his commitment.

Quarterback Julian Sayin was an early enrollee for the Crimson Tide after signing with the program as one of the top prospects of the 2024 recruiting cycle. Without having spent much time at Alabama, Sayin is now on the move to Ohio State.

The news of Sayin entering the transfer portal did not come immediately after Nick Saban retired, but very quickly after the Tide landed a commitment from Washington true freshman quarterback Austin Mack.

Ohio State has landed a few Alabama transfers this offseason. Sayin will be joining former Crimson Tide center Seth McLaughlin and defensive back Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes also recently hired former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien as the team’s new offensive play-caller.

Alabama has plenty of depth at quarterback, but many viewed Sayin as the future of the Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Two high-profile teams named as early favorites to land QB Julian Sayin

Alabama QB signee Julian Sayin has hit the transfer portal. Two big-name teams appear to be the early favorites to land the top 2024 QB.

On Thursday, Alabama landed a quarterback via the transfer portal, but it did not take long for the Crimson Tide to subsequently lose a quarterback to the portal. After recently signing with the program, top 2024 quarterback Julian Sayin entered the transfer portal and there are already favorites to pick him up.

The quarterback Alabama earned a commitment from was 2023 recruit Austin Mack, who was a true freshman last season and retains all four years of eligibility. With Mack joining the team, Sayin is out.

Pete Nakos of On3 reports that USC and Ohio State appear to be the early leaders to land the incoming freshman.

Currently, 247Sports has put in a Crystal Ball prediction for Sayin to commit to the Buckeyes.

Alabama’s quarterback room, without Sayin, remains strong, as there are viable options to run the offense in the near and distant future.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Former Washington QB Austin Mack announces transfer to Alabama

Washington QB Austin Mack was a freshman last season and now joins Alabama with four years of eligibility.

Alabama football has taken some serious damage over the last week because of the transfer portal. However, today, the Crimson Tide got some good transfer news as Washington quarterback Austin Mack announced his commitment to his former head coach Kalen DeBoer and Alabama.

Mack, a 6-foot-6, 226-pound quarterback, was a true freshman in 2023 and did not see any action, which means he redshirted and has all four years of eligibility remaining.

As a recruit, the California native was a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports. He fielded offers from Oregon, Colorado, Arizona and others, but chose to commit to the Huskies, then coached by the Tide’s current head coach, DeBoer.

While Mack is certainly a talented quarterback, this is a very interesting and unexpected move. It makes sense for Mack to want to follow the head coach he originally committed to, but for it to be at a program with a rather young but strong QB room is head-scratching.

He couldn’t have transferred without an offer, so clearly, DeBoer sees value in him being with the program. This leads to early rumblings of a quarterback competition, as Jalen Milroe will return for 2024, but is no longer guaranteed the starting job because of the coaching change.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Social media goes wild over what Bill O’Brien told Jalen Milroe

Bill O’Brien told quarterback Jalen Milroe that he should consider switching positions… social media shares hilarious reactions

Bill O’Brien has had success at both the collegiate level and in the NFL as a head coach and coordinator. However, Alabama fans were not too fond of him during his two years in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator. Now, they have another reason to not be his biggest fans.

During media availability ahead of the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl semifinal, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe went public with a bombshell a statement: O’Brien told Milroe that he should consider switching positions.

The starting quarterback for the Tide during O’Brien’s tenure at Alabama was Heisman winner and first overall pick in the NFL draft, Bryce Young. Milroe was serving as QB2 for the team and appeared in games after, even starting against Texas A&M one week while Young was out with a shoulder injury.

It appears that O’Brien strongly doubted what Milroe, who finished No. 6 in the final 2023 Heisman voting, could do at the helm of an offense. Now, Milroe has Tommy Rees calling the offense for the Crimson Tide and he has flourished as a passer and leader.

Fans were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on what O’Brien said to Milroe.

2024 Alabama-signee QB Julian Sayin is already on campus

2024 Alabama football signee Julian Sayin is already in Tuscaloosa with his future teammates.

The 2024 early signing period has passed and Alabama landed some highly-touted recruits, including five-star quarterback Julian Sayin. A recent TikTok shared by Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold shows that Sayin is already in Tuscaloosa with the team.

Sayin chose the Tide over other big-name programs like Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame and others.

Current quarterback Jalen Milroe recently announced that he would be returning for the 2024 season, which means he will remain at the helm of the Alabama offense for Sayin’s freshman season. The future, however, could belong to Sayin.

While he’s restricted in what he can do with the team, it is interesting to see him already be on campus, interacting with his future teammates. The quarterback position is the most important in football, so he must develop relationships with those around him.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the College Football Playoffs approach.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Falcons return to Desmond Ridder as their starting QB vs. Saints next week

Desmond Ridder is back in the Falcons’ starting lineup. After sitting two games, he’ll be their starting quarterback against the Saints in Week 12:

The Atlanta Falcons have decided Desmond Ridder will be the starting quarterback going forward, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This takes away the mystery of who the New Orleans Saints need to prepare for in next week’s pivotal NFC South showdown. Both teams have a bye week in Week 11, so they have an extra week to rest.

Ridder started the season under center and remained there until he was sidelined by a concussion in Week 8. Taylor Heinicke finished that game and started the next two weeks. When Heinicke suffered a hamstring injury, Ridder came in to finish the game, and he has now reclaimed his starting position.

His first game back in the starting lineup will be versus New Orleans. Last time Ridder played the Saints was the first start of his career — Atlanta lost that game 21-18 with Ridder going 13-of-26 for just 97 passing yards, taking four sacks, and rushing 6 times for 38 yards. This season he’s 4-4 as a starter while throwing 6 touchdown passes against 6 interceptions, having rushed for 150 yards and 4 touchdown runs. He’s also fumbled 7 times.

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