But victories over Georgia and LSU -- the latter at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge -- showed Alabama's potential under DeBoer. The Crimson Tide return practically their entire starting defense from 2024, and DeBoer is enjoying the quarterback competition between Austin Mack, Keelon Russell and Ty Simpson.

DeBoer said Alabama would like to choose its next starter a “week-and-a-half” before its Aug. 30 season-opener at Florida State. Simpson was the the frontrunner after spring, having served as UA’s primary backup for the past two years behind Milroe.

Kalen DeBoer knows there’s more than one way to skin a cat. That applies to his choices at starting quarterback throughout his coaching career, as Jake Haener was a much different player than Michael Penix Jr.