The end of the offseason is finally in sight. Alabama football will begin preseason camp ahead of its Aug. 30 season-opener at Florida State on Wednesday.

Entering the second season of Kalen DeBoer’s offensive system, the Crimson Tide brought in Ryan Grubb to take over as offensive coordinator this season. As UA prepares for the start of camp, here are three questions for the Tide offense to answer before the FSU game.

Who’s starting at quarterback?

The obvious answer is Ty Simpson. After spring practice, Ryan Grubb said the redshirt junior would be the starter if the season started that day, something DeBoer reiterated at SEC media days in July.

“Ty throws a catchable ball,” DeBoer said. “He’s smart. He’s been in college football now going into year four. He’s seen the ups and downs. He’s got great relationships with the team. He’s a leader that way. He’s really owned things on another level.”

DeBoer has said he’d like to have a starter in place a week-and-a-half before the season begins. If Simpson shows out early in camp, it could come earlier than that, even if Alabama opts not to publicly announce it.

Still, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell remain involved, even with Simpson clearly the frontrunner. DeBoer spoke highly of both of them during his media days press conference.

“Austin Mack, if you walked in here, the guy is 6′6″, 230, 235 (pounds),” DeBoer said. “He has a presence about him. That carries over to how he throws the football. Just really took his most meaningful snaps in college this spring working with the ones and twos.

“Keelon Russell, you never would have guessed, a lot of guys graduated from high school a month ago, really a high school senior, early enrollee, that came in and learned the system of college football, taking these huge strides in the course of the spring. Now again, getting that install over and over again in the summer, going into the fall. I’m confident he’s going to make big jumps as well.”

How will the offensive line come together?

Some of the pieces on Alabama’s offensive line seem ready to make the jump from good to great. Center Parker Brailsford and left tackle Kadyn Proctor are both popular names on preseason All-America lists, and Jaeden Roberts is expected to have a solid season at right guard as well.

Two spots will be turning over. At one, the right tackle position, Wilkin Formby is likely to take over the starting role, which he held early in 2024 before struggling and losing it to the departed Elijah Pritchett.

Formby looked improved when he saw action late in the season, and coaches have said he continued the trend through spring practice. His development will be key for the Crimson Tide, especially with a new quarterback to protect, one without the speed of Jalen Milroe.

“The offensive line is where it really starts,” DeBoer said. “Really six guys that are strongly in the rotation with a lot of others that are up-and-coming, developing quickly, that I can see competing for spots as the season goes along as well.”

The competition seems to be at left guard, where UA must replace Tyler Booker. Returnee Geno VanDeMark and Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry will battle for the starting spot. Can one of them fill the shoes of the departed first-round NFL Draft pick?

Which wide receivers can provide key depth?

The top of Alabama’s wideout depth chart is obvious. Ryan Williams is back, now legally able to buy a lottery ticket provided he takes that business across state lines.

Germie Bernard also returns, after leading the Crimson Tide in receptions last year, his first in Tuscaloosa. Finally, Isaiah Horton will round out the starting group, offering a deep threat after transferring in from Miami this offseason.

Behind them though, Alabama has some talent. Who steps up and forces their way onto the field will be an interesting camp storyline.

Jalen Hale is back, after suffering a significant leg injury and missing the entire 2024 season. He contributed in 2023, and will try to earn major playing time this year.

Rico Scott and Cole Adams are also returning, along with Jaylen Mbakwe, who moves over from cornerback for 2025. The freshmen group includes Lotzier Brooks, one of the top youngsters during spring practice.

With so much talent at the top, Alabama might not need very much from its depth wideouts. However, if one or more of them emerges, it could take even more pressure off of Williams in particular, which only helps the Crimson Tide offense.