Last offseason, the main storyline surrounded Alabama’s open quarterback battle. Thanks to the post-Rose Bowl rush of roster movement, that position has a clear hierarchy heading into this winter.

In addition to Jalen Milroe, backup Ty Simspon is sticking with the Crimson Tide next season. Simpson’s move surprised some when considering Alabama’s quarterback room was full — and it picked up another five-star last month in mid-year enrolle Julian Sayin. Unsurprisingly, however, freshman Eli Holstein entered the transfer portal. He eventually chose Pitt.

This news comes off the departure of Tyler Buchner (Notre Dame – lacrosse), who made it a three-man race between Milroe and Simpson last summer. Assuming the dust has settled in the quarterback room, UA will again have multiple promising quarterbacks competing for playing time. Here’s a breakdown of who could be manning Tommy Rees’ offense in 2024.

Jalen Milroe

The incumbent and expected starter, Milroe faced the criticism that comes with the position and handled it about as well as anyone could’ve asked. He threw for 2,834 yards with 23 touchdowns compared to six interceptions (65.9%). Milroe also ran for 531 more yards and a team-best 12 touchdowns. Alabama’s lack of a QB1 nearly cost it at South Florida, and having an established option in Milroe in the room and on the sidelines is a luxury UA simply didn’t have this fall.

Saban noted on The Pat McAfee Show that Milroe was “affected” by UA’s poor blocking against No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl, and U-M could disguise coverages. It creates a clear growing lane for Milroe, who needs to be more consistent. But if Milroe can grow more comfortable inside the pocket, where he was often rushed with a poor offensive line, or more consistent while scrambling, Alabama won’t need to rely on long conversions like the now-famed fourth-and-31.

Per FanDuel, Milroe is tied with Ohio State’s Quinn Ewers and Georgia’s Carson Beck at +750 odds for the 2024 Heisman Award.

Ty Simpson

Milroe not only won the starting job this season but got UA to a national semifinal, which appeared to put the writing on the wall for Simpson, who arrived two years ago as a five-star, elite recruit. Yet, Simpson believes in his long-term development taking place in Tuscaloosa. Simpson’s father Jason Simpson (head coach at UT-Martin) told Tide Illustrated last week “his heart has always been with Alabama,” an admirable stance considering the tendency of players to jump at starting opportunities elsewhere.

Simpson appeared in six games, up from four in 2022. He attempted 20 passes, completing 11 for 179 yards. He ran for two scores (86 yards on 14 attempts). Simpson can be credited for helping the Tide escape South Florida, guiding two scoring drives, including a 45-yard catch-and-run to C.J. Dippre that set up points. In bursts, Simpson has shown the athleticism and arm strength that put him in open competition. Should Simpson stick around, he’ll be called upon to push Milroe and be next in line.

Dylan Lonergan

Lonergan impressed coaches throughout the spring and fall camp. The freshman eventually earned third-team snaps, at least in warmups, working after Milroe and Simpson got their reps. The Snellville, Ga., native played his first game against Chattanooga, completing two passes and rushing for 5 yards. After earning rave reviews in his months in the program, Lonergan’s continued development can give UA a look at its future.

Julian Sayin

The latest addition to the room, Sayin introduced himself to teammates while out in California for bowl game prep. Here’s what Rees had to say about the five-star prospect:

“He’s a natural passer. Shows really good instincts. … It’s extremely early but he’s done a nice job for us and I expect him to continue to grow in the program as he grows through an offseason.”

Fans will be clamoring for a look at Sayin on A-Day and you’ll even see some social media chatter about Sayin pushing Milroe and co. for playing time. But, as was in the case of Milroe and is the case of Simpson and Longeran, practice patience in tracking Sayin’s development. With three throwers with a year in the system under their belts, UA doesn’t need Sayin to be a superstar, at least not yet.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].