Two games into the 2023 Alabama football season and Nick Saban has reportedly made a change at quarterback. Tyler Buchner is now expected to get the start against South Florida, taking over for Jalen Milroe, who played against Middle Tennessee State and Texas.

The Crimson Tide and Bull are scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Tampa. That game will be aired on ABC.

Before it starts, here’s what to know about Buchner.

He’s familiar with Tommy Rees

Buchner started his college football career at Notre Dame, where he played for current Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Buchner had earned the starting job for the Fighting Irish entering last season, but dealt with injuries for most of the 2022 campaign.

At the beginning of camp, Saban emphasized how well the two knew each other.

“Tommy knows him better than anybody else could,” Saban said. ” I think you always know a player when you coach them. You know what his strengths. You know what he needs to improve on. I still think that he’s probably getting comfortable with the system.”

Buchner entered the portal after the season. He joined up with the Crimson Tide after spring football.

When Rees spoke to media in early August, he explained what he liked about Buchner.

“Ty’s a guy I recruited at a young age, obviously spent two seasons with him,” Rees said. “He provides a little bit of veteran presence in the room and adds competition. I think he’s hit the ground running with the rest of the guys on the team, especially with the rest of the quarterbacks, and it’s been really a healthy transition.”

He competed for the starting job during preseason camp

Buchner was brought in to compete for the job after Milroe and Simpson failed to wow Saban during spring ball. Saban made it clear at SEC Media Days in June that all three of the signal-callers had a chance to win the job.

Saban went on to not name a starter, even up to kickoff for the MTSU game, though the news that Milroe was starting leaked out the day before the game. During camp, Saban noted that Buchner was a bit behind the other two due to coming in later.

“I still think that he’s probably getting comfortable with the system,’ Saban said. “There’s some new terminology in it. And I think he’s probably still getting comfortable with the players around him because the other guys have been with those guys a little more. But I do think there’s really good competition at the position.”

Saban said before the MTSU game that he wanted the starter to play well enough for the other quarterbacks to get in. That happened, and Buchner was the first off the bench for the Tide, rushing for a touchdown in the 56-7 victory.

Saban was asked about Buchner in the week leading into the USF game and responded positively about the redshirt sophomore.

“He played really well in the last scrimmage and he’s done well in practice,” Saban said. “So, we feel really good about sort of how he’s continued to improve and develop and the confidence in what he’s doing. And [having] a good feeling around the teammates and receivers and all that type of thing.”

He led Notre Dame to a bowl win in 2022

Buchner missed most of the 2022 season due to a shoulder injury. However, he was able to return in the Gator Bowl to lead the Irish against South Carolina.

Notre Dame ended up winning that game. Buchner accounted for five touchdowns and 335 yards between his arm and legs.

When asked about Buchner at SEC Media Days, South Carolina defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway praised the quarterback.

“I felt good about him,” Hemingway said. “Looked like a tough kid. He was real, real tough, you know? I liked the way he played, the way were competing out there.”

It wasn’t all good for Buchner, who also threw two interceptions, both of which the Gamecocks returned for touchdowns. Still, the effort was enough to earn him MVP honors.

Also speaking at SEC Media Days, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said he spoke to Buchner after that game, congratulating him on his performance.

“Just a guy that you can tell his teammates had a great respect for him,” Beamer said. “Rallied around him and certainly a guy they had a lot of confidence in at Notre Dame.”

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