Who is Alabama's backup quarterback? Crimson Tide 2025 QB depth chart behind Ty Simpson

Quarterback has been a position of strength for Alabama in recent years, with Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe and now, Ty Simpson, all enjoying success for the Tide.

The benefit of that production is immediately evident. Despite plenty of turnover across the roster (and in the coaching staff), Alabama remains one of the nation's best outfits, earning College Football Playoff appearances in two of its last three seasons. Simpson kept the good times going in 2025, tallying more than 3,200 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns en route to a second-team All-SEC nod.

Simpson hasn't quite been faultless under center. But he's not been that far from it either. Nevertheless, the postseason is a different animal, even for the sport's best talents. Injuries are poor performance can run abound, leading to changes. If Simpson were to sit for any reason, just who would take his place?

Here's what you need to know. 

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Who is Alabama's backup quarterback?

The man at the top of Alabama's QB hierarchy is clearly Simpson. Behind him? Well that's harder to gauge.

Austin Mack is listed as the backup on a variety of websites, including OurLads and Roll Bama Roll. The redshirt sophomore was the first player to take the field in relief of Simpson during the Crimson Tide's 56-0 win over Eastern Illinois earlier in the season and did little to hurt his standing, leading Alabama on two touchdown drives — one of which saw him race 20 yards to nab his first collegiate score.

He was soon replaced by Keelon Russell, a highly-touted freshman who was listed as the No. 2-ranked player in the nation, according to 247 Sports.

A dual-threat hurler equally adept at operating in the pocket or wreaking havoc in open field, Russell is expected to make a splash at some point in Tuscaloosa. He enjoyed a solid start to life in the college game against the Panthers, authoring a touchdown drive of his own. He did exit the game briefly in favor of Mack after the Crimson Tide were stuffed on fourth down.

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So, just who is Alabama's backup? Mack seems the likeliest of candidates given his experience, familiarity with Kalen DeBoer's system (he played for Washington under DeBoer before transferring to Tuscaloosa) and success in spot minutes. Still, nothing is guaranteed. In the event that Simpson were to miss some time, Russell's pedigree and potential could win out.

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Alabama QB depth chart

Simpson is the unquestioned No. 1 in the Crimson Tide's QB room. A Heisman contender until the final few weeks of the season and likely first-round pick, Simpson has made his mark under center for DeBoer's side.

Behind him stands a pair of highly-regarded talents in Mack — who was a consensus four-star recruit — and Russell, who some believe could be a first-round talent when his college career ends.

No matter who is the "official" backup, there are worse places to be than having two renowned youngsters vying for time under center behind one of the country's best passers.

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