With Alabama playing a non-conference, non-Power 5 opponent, heads are starting to peek into the oven to check back in on the Crimson Tide’s quarterback competition.

Jalen Milroe has played most through UA’s eight quarters to date in 2023, and while he’s said all the right things following Alabama’s 34-24 loss, there’s been inconsistency in his performance. And at least per the depth chart, Tyler Buchner, Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan technically remain options for the rest of the season.

On Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Saban addressed the state of the competition.

“Well, we evaluate every position every week. If guys want security in their position, they need to play well. Everybody on our team knows that,” Saban said. “I think everybody has responded in a positive way to try to get better and improve and we’ll constantly evaluate that position as we do every position.”

Milroe has completed 27 of his 45 pass attempts with five throwing touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s thrown for 449 yards and ran for 92 with two more scores. Buchner, the transfer from Notre Dame, appeared in relief for Milroe after the Tide amassed a big lead in Week 1 against Middle Tennessee State. Saban was asked about Buchner on Monday and said “we feel really good” about his development.

No. 10 Alabama (1-1) is currently favored by 30 points against South Florida (1-1), its Saturday opponent. Should the Tide start a blowout, it’ll be another opportunity for Buchner, Simpson and Lonergan to make their claim on the job. Like Saban said in the preseason, the battle wasn’t settled in the season opener.

“We’ve got to be firmer in protection. The pocket can’t collapse, but people have to get open. The quarterback has to process quickly and get the ball out of his hand. We can’t hold the ball. It’s a combination of all those things,” Saban said on Monday about Alabama’s offensive struggles against Texas.

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