Alabama football’s messy Week 3 trip to South Florida provided clarity on the Crimson Tide’s quarterback room. By the following Monday Nick Saban had seen enough to name Jalen Milroe as the starter. But what about the rest?

The room has remained mostly the same since. Ty Simpson is the backup with Tyler Buchner (who will transfer to play lacrosse at Notre Dame after the season), Dylan Lonergan, Eli Holstein rounding out the group. Julian Sayin, a five-star signee from the class of 2024, arrived in Tuscaloosa earlier this month. First-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees broke down the room ahead of the Rose Bowl.

“With the reps he’s had and the opportunity he’s had in games, we’ve seen his ability to stay calm out there, make good decisions, make good throws. We have a ton of confidence in him as the ‘2′ right now. The challenge to him is you gotta stay mentally ready every single week.”

Simpson has made six appearances this year, completing 11 of 20 passes for 179 yards. He’s run for another 119 yards and two touchdowns. He led the comeback drive against USF and last appeared in blowout wins over Kentucky and Chattanooga.

Lonergan built off a strong spring session and appeared to be as high as the third-string quarterback based on pregame warmups. Rees said it was “important” for Lonergan to be with the main group and has traveled with the team.

The other incoming freshman, Holstein, was put on a development plan halfway through the season. Holstein began to meet with graduate assistants and other players after practice to get reps in Alabama’s offensive system. Rees said Holstein was working primarily as a scout team quarterback.

“Eli has progressed tremendously throughout the season and he’s put a lot of work in,” said Rees.

The newest entrant, Sayin, is actually returning to his home state for Rose Bowl practices. One of the best throwers in his class from Carlsbad High, Sayin is a mid-year enrollee. He won’t be eligible to play this postseason.

“I think his personality fits in really well,” Rees said of Sayin. “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.”

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