Nick Saban in No Rush to Name Starting QB

The Alabama head coach is still waiting for one of the three quarterbacks to emerge as the leader to win the job.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A young Nick Saban used to stand around his grandmother's oven asking when her famous cakes were going to be ready. 

And she would warn little Saban that she couldn't bring them out too early, or the cake would be mushy and ruined. And that's how Saban sees the 2023 Alabama quarterback competition. He's not naming a quarterback while things are still mushy. 

"I don't think anybody has actually separated themselves yet to this point, and I don't think it's something that we're trying to rush," Saban said during his opening statement at SEC Media Days Wednesday. "We've got to let this develop and make sure we let the cake bake until somebody separates themselves."

While acknowledging that it's the biggest question on everyone's mind, the only clarity that Saban provided about the quarterback race is that it's down to three guys: redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe, redshirt freshman Ty Simpson and redshirt sophomore Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. 

His only expectation for the starting quarterback– someone who will play winning football. Coming into this season, Alabama is building off a streak of legendary quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Bryce Young, who have all played winning football at the highest level. 

The starting Crimson Tide quarterback faces immense pressure, but the pieces around him are just as important and critical to his success. And Saban likes the offensive talent that new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has to work with alongside the quarterback. 

"At other positions on offense, we probably, I think, are improved," Saban said. "The receivers are  the same guys– older, more experienced. We have good runners. The offensive line doesn't have a lot of experience returning, but we have some really good young players who have developed nicely. Tight end, we have a transfer that can help us there and some young guys that are developing."

Starting tackle JC Latham said each quarterback is working hard this offseason. 

"I got confidence in the whole group, whoever's out there," Latham said. "I know each guy has taken the preparation to be great. Each guy has taken the preparation to go out and succeed."

Whoever lines up at quarterback and whoever's the quarterback of the team is going to take the role of that leadership role. I know they're going to be great. 

People are focused on who the starter will be, and rightfully so, but for Saban it is just as important to develop the backups, citing Milroe having to come in for the injured Young last season in the Arkansas and Texas A&M games.  

As much as fans and media like want an answer to the question, this quarterback competition won't be ending anytime soon. Fall camp will open for Alabama the first week of August and kickoff for the first game against Middle Tennessee is now just 45 days away. 

"It's not a decision that needs to be made at this point, nor are we ready to make that decision at this time until somebody separates themselves."

See also:

Is Georgia the New Alabama? How Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are Battling Complacency

Alabama Crimson Tide Live Blog, 2023 SEC Media Days: Day 3