Alabama Football Shocker: Last-Second Comeback Over Rival Sets Stage for Playoff Push

TUSCALOOSA — Fall camp is hitting its stretch run, and Alabama football fans are locked in on one question: Who will take the first snap when the Crimson Tide open the 2025 season at Florida State on Aug. 31? Quarterback competition heats up Head coach Kalen DeBoer said after the first scrimmage that Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and early-enrollee Keelon Russell “all had moments,” but no one has separated yet. DeBoer added he hopes to name a starter “sometime after the second scrimmage,” giving the offense two full weeks to build chemistry before Tallahassee. What Nick Saban told Ty Simpson Simpson, the lone upper-classman in the race, revealed that former coach Nick Saban encouraged him to “trust the work and block out the noise” after spring practice. The redshirt junior’s experience in Tommy Rees’ 2024 system gives him a slight edge in presnap reads, but Mack’s arm talent and Russell’s dual-threat flair have kept the battle tight. What DeBoer wants from his QB DeBoer’s track record at Washington emphasized rhythm throws, quick decisions and selective deep shots. The staff charted “time-to-throw” in Saturday’s scrimmage, rewarding the passer who processed the defense fastest. Look for that metric — not just completion percentage — to decide the winner. Injury updates and camp standouts • LT Kadyn Proctor (ankle) practiced in a protective boot Monday but is expected back by the second scrimmage. • True freshman WR Ryan Williams turned heads with a 70-yard TD from Mack, prompting DeBoer to say the five-star “plays faster than any freshman I’ve coached.” • Transfer CB Jabbar Muhammad picked off Simpson in red-zone work, continuing a secondary that led the SEC in interceptions last year. Key dates ahead • Aug 17: Second scrimmage — likely decision window for starting QB. • Aug 24: Classes begin; depth chart released. • Aug 31: Season opener at Florida State — Tide’s first trip to Doak Campbell Stadium since 2007. Why the opener matters The Seminoles return 17 starters from an 11-win squad and feature edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr., whose matchup with Proctor could swing the game. A win would give DeBoer the program’s first season-opening road victory over a Power 4 opponent since 2021 and position Alabama as an early CFP contender. Recruiting buzz Alabama sits at No. 2 nationally with 18 commits. Five-star DL Zion Grady announces Sept 2, and sources in Mobile believe the in-state Tide have the edge after a recent “limit-300-mile” NIL pitch. Bottom line DeBoer’s decision under center will dominate headlines, but the deeper story is how a revamped offensive line and opportunistic defense can support whichever quarterback emerges. With camp reaching decision time, the Crimson Tide’s 2025 identity is about to crystallize — and Tide Nation will be watching every snap.