When Jalen Hurts takes the field for the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, he will be four days older than Tom Brady was when the New England Patriots quarterback made his second Super Bowl appearance. Hurts, at 26 years and 186 days old, will be one of only a few quarterbacks to start two Super Bowls at such a young age, joining Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes, who was also the opponent for Hurts’ first Super Bowl start.

Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. The same matchup will take place again in Super Bowl LIX.

Hurts is only the seventh quarterback to return to the Super Bowl after losing his first appearance. Of the six others who did so – including the Kansas City Chiefs’ Len Dawson, Miami Dolphins’ Bob Griese, Minnesota Vikings’ Fran Tarkenton, Denver Broncos’ John Elway, and Buffalo Bills’ Jim Kelly – five are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The exception is Craig Morton, who started in his first Super Bowl for the Dallas Cowboys and his second for the Broncos.

Since Jim Kelly in 1991, no quarterback who lost their first Super Bowl appearance has returned to the big game as a starter. However, Hurts’ return to the Super Bowl as a starter breaks that trend, with 29 quarterbacks who lost their first Super Bowl start and did not get a second opportunity as starters.

When Hurts was asked during a Friday press conference for his most memorable moment from his first Super Bowl, he replied, “Next question.” He responded more thoughtfully to the next question: What did he learn from that game, and how would he apply it this time?

Hurts said, “Hindsight is big. I think from a perspective that not many people have experienced it – everything that comes with the week – it’s important. It’s about being a good influence on the guys who haven’t been there before, answering questions, and helping everyone get closer before the game, because at the end of the day, it’s a business trip, and we’ve worked hard to get here. We want to take advantage of it.”

Hurts shared the advice he’s passed on to his teammates: “Take it a day at a time, be diligent, put in the effort, and work throughout the week.” He emphasized that the demands and distractions of Super Bowl week are simply “part of the job” that comes with the profession.

In his first Super Bowl, Hurts made history by becoming the first player in NFL history with 300 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns in the same game. The former Alabama quarterback also threw a touchdown pass.

Hurts’ second Super Bowl appearance comes after a strong learning experience, and despite the loss in 2023, he remains motivated by the lessons learned. His drive to improve continues as he seeks to use his past experiences to prepare for the challenge ahead.

 

Ryan Grubb, who originally traveled to Tuscaloosa from Washington with Kalen DeBoer but departed before the spring game to accept a position with the Seattle Seahawks, was rehired by Alabama football on Sunday.

Additionally, Grubb will take over as DeBoer’s primary play-caller in 2025, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The return of a key staff member to Kalen DeBoer is big news for Alabama.

I’ve been informed that Grubb will call plays for Alabama the next season, which is a big step for the Tide, Thamel wrote on Twitter.

The modified role of 2024’s top play-caller, Nick Sheridan, remains unclear, according to Alex Scarborough of Bama247.

Before Sheridan was hired, Scarborough had already spoken with Grubb that Alabama might consider keeping him in a new capacity.

Scarborough stated, “It is unclear where Grubb would fit on Alabama’s staff.

” No position on the ten-person assistant coaching staff is open. The current quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator is Nick Sheridan.

He helped recruit five-star quarterback Keelon Russell and was with DeBoer at the Senior Bowl on Tuesday. Furthermore, DeBoer hasn’t shown any signs of losing faith in Sheridan’s skills.

In theory, Grubb might be hired as an analyst or given a similar title.

The NCAA gave coaches more leeway with what were once referred to as “off-field” assistants in 2024 when it decided to remove limits on who might teach.

 

 

The final recruiting rankings have been made public by the various agencies, and according to 247 Sports, Russell will do well while attending Alabama.

Russell has surpassed Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to be listed as the top overall talent in the 2025 recruiting class. According to 247 Sports, Russell has a 0.9998 recruit rating. To learn more, visit https://tide1009.com/keelon-russell-named-best-recruit-in-alabama-football-history/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral. Keelon Russell was voted the top recruit in Alabama football history.

Since Andre Smith in 2006, he is the first football player from Alabama to rank top on the 247 Sports recruiting list. For the 6-foot-3, 175-pound quarterback from Duncanville High School, the ascent did not end there. Russell is now ranked as the highest recruit in Alabama football history with a rating of 0.9998. To learn more, visit https://tide1009.com/keelon-russell-named-best-recruit-in-alabama-football-history/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral. Keelon Russell was voted the top recruit in Alabama football history.

 

For the third time this season, the Crimson Tide won several event titles, with Gabby Gladieux’s fourth straight on-the-floor workout serving as the highlight

ATHENS, GA On Friday night at Stegeman Coliseum, the No. 14 Alabama gymnastics program (1-3, 0-3 SEC) lost to No. 12 Georgia (3-3, 1-1 SEC), 196.575-196.975, despite leading at the midway point and winning multiple event titles in a single meet for the third time this season.

 

 

The Saturday afternoon on October 5, 2024, is the date every Alabama fan would like to forget. And why not? They lost against the most unexpected teams in their conference in Vanderbilt. And thus, as the game ended with a glaring scoreline of 40-35, Alabama’s structural problems were hard to ignore.

This game probably sums up their whole 2024 season, where DeBoer and Alabama couldn’t just find their rhythm. But, one would expect the next season to follow their redemption, but their fans aren’t looking that optimistic. But why is that?

 

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Kalen Deboer knows that the way his season got finished is far from optimistic. Speaking after his last game, he said, “We know that we need to be better.

That’s the expectation I had from day one, is that we perform at a championship level, and we certainly fell short of that. Whether you’re 0-12 or 12-0 in a regular season, you’re always gonna really critique and be detailed on how you’ve gotta improve.” He further added that Alabama will take lessons ahead and will bounce back in the next season. But there are still some perils for Kalen DeBoer to wade…

 

Alabama faced another conundrum of its own when it lost almost 41 players going into the off-season. Amongst those 25 went to the transfer portal, 13 graduated and the rest 3 opted for the NFL draft. The departed players also include QB Jalen Milroe and Jihaad Campbell (LB). The situation was akin to a mass exodus and Kalen DeBoer is in damage control mode to fill the empty slots.

Amongst the reinforcements in the class of 2025 are 5-star quarterback Keelon Russel, Cornerback Dijon Lee Jr., and 4-star names like Akylin Dear (RB) and Ivan Taylor (CB). Furthermore, the addition of defensive coach Jason Jones will definitely help the team forward. Jones is notably a former Alabama player who has deep connections with the coaching staff and understands the Bama culture well. So will it be all sunny in Bama after all?

 

 

Well, Alabama has just announced its 2025 season fixtures and fans could not just stop venting their frustration against De Boer and Alabama. Notably, while their fixtures are relatively not that difficult compared to previous years, still there seems to be no optimism in their loyal fan base. Most of the problems seem to be revolving around their QB problems and their weak offensive line. But, is there any truth to their frustration? Let’s analyze piece by piece.

 

 

 

 

Bama fans not looking forward to seeing Kalen DeBoer’s team in 2025

We know that Kalen DeBoer is looking to change things in his second year at the Tide. However, some Bama fans haven’t forgotten how his first season fared.

Naturally, the enthusiasm levels for the schedule are a little low right now. One of the users wrote, “I’m gonna say 11-2 just to be optimistic about it. Especially not knowing how our QB play will look“. Another wrote, “Not even a hard schedule. It’s just they aren’t as good as they used to be smh”. These comments highlight some glaring flaws in the QB situation at Alabama.

 

Well, there are reasons. Jalen Milroe is not there anymore, but his performances also highlighted a deeper issue with the offensive schemes. Take, for example, the game against Oklahoma in which Alabama suffered a humiliating loss by 3-24. In that game alone Milroe was, to put it bluntly, ‘miserable’.

Not only did he concede an interception and two fumbles early on, but couldn’t even land a good penetrating pass to the team’s receivers. Overall, he finished the season with almost 18 turnovers, 11 interceptions, and losing 7 fumbles. However, it’s not at all fair to blame him solely, because the problem in their O line was very visible and demanded immediate rectification. A user commented on the post and put it very bluntly.

 

 

 

The user commented, “Depending on our QB situation and some o-line question marks this could be a demon of a season or the complete opposite“. Furthermore, their woes are not limited to their offense but also extend to the defensive setup. Another user presented it very accurately, “Watch Alabama be the next year FSU. Complain about not making the CFP, lose their bowl game, and then totally go off the rails“.

Well, FSU’s story is a tale for another time, but the user’s observation here is quite accurate. Because this is the first time since 2007 that Alabama has finished without winning at least 10 games, finishing with a 9-4 record. Surely, questions will be raised against Kalen DeBoer who reportedly earns a $10.5 Million salary if the team fails to perform in 2025. So what’s next?

 

Well, we can only wait and see if Kalen DeBoer can live up to Nick Saban’s legacy and forge his unique identity going into the next season. To do that he must address his quarterback problem. Ty Simpson is an option but it will still not guarantee a 100 percent improvement. Then, his WR room also needs depth, and finally, improve the O line. If these flaws are addressed then only one can bet on Bama in 2025.

 

 

 

 

The Alabama Crimson Tide fell short of a College Football Playoff spot this season under head coach Kalen DeBoer in his inaugural year. However, quarterback Jalen Milroe remains highly regarded as he now focuses on the NFL draft for his next chapter.

Milroe’s final college football step, the Senior Bowl, has been key in the evaluation process and is where he’s showcasing his skills this week. While his performance on the field has been impressive, his off-field achievements have also gained attention.

In an interview with NFL Network on Wednesday, Milroe was asked how winning the Academic Heisman Award, or William V. Campbell Trophy, given to the top scholar-athlete, has benefited his mental approach to the game.

“It’s all about the details that come with both,” Milroe said. “Being detail-oriented is crucial, but numbers are also important in areas like pass protection, field numbers, and progressions. There’s a lot you can take from school. As a quarterback, it’s about using my keys and making the most of each opportunity when defenses show different looks. I connect the two when I can.”

His academic accomplishments have also garnered attention, particularly his impressive GPA. Milroe became just the seventh NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Alabama, graduating in December 2023 with a 3.52 GPA and a degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. He’s now pursuing a master’s degree in sports management.

His talent on the field has never been in doubt, and neither have his academic abilities. However, in the lead-up to the NFL draft in April, Milroe still has plenty to prove to NFL scouts and teams to increase his draft stock, which currently remains unpredictable. He’ll be playing in the Senior Bowl on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. EST.

 

Tim Smith left Alabama with a record that might hold for a long time in addition to never losing against Auburn.

Smith received an additional year of eligibility because of COVID, and he was a true freshman with the Crimson Tide in 2020.

The defensive tackle finished his career with a perfect 5-0 record against the Tigers, and Alabama never lost the Iron Bowl.

In Mobile, where he will play in Saturday’s Reese’s Senior Bowl, Smith stated Tuesday, “I hadn’t really kept track of the record until we got into the locker room and started conversing.” “I thought, ‘Damn, have I lost to Auburn since coming here?’” And the response was “no,” so I counted five games before it finally occurred to me.

During his five years at Alabama, Smith participated in the Iron Bowl and started the final three games.

Malachi Moore, a former Crimson Tide safety who was also scheduled to participate in the Senior Bowl before requiring surgery in December, shares the “5-0 vs.

Auburn” distinction with him. The record of Smith and Moore could

Smith, a native of Florida, participated in 63 games while playing for Alabama. He set career highs in all three categories with a total of 124 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and six sacks. Smith was a somewhat late addition to the Senior Bowl, where he will join the American team’s punter James Burnip, tight end C.J. Dippre, and former Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe. Hancock Whitney Stadium will host the annual college football all-star game and NFL draft showcase starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Smith remarked, “I’m quite excited.

” I simply thought it was another chance to show off my skills and conduct a few one-on-ones at this location. To be honest, I’m most looking forward to the chat portion.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the best tool available for preparing athletes for the draft outside of the NFL Combine

However, no underclassman who declared for the draft early can play in the annual game, which is reserved for seniors and takes place in Mobile, Alabama.

The draft candidates get to practice on the field for a week with NFL coaching staff and personnel assessing them, which is a unique experience.

Because the Senior Bowl is played in the Tide’s home state and because Nick Saban sent so many players to the week-long event, the Alabama Crimson Tide have grown rather accustomed to it over the years.

Among the Crimson Tide’s standout players this season are quarterback Jalen Milroe and tight end C.J.

 

Spencer Rattler of South Carolina was selected the camp’s MVP the previous year.

Since RB, no former Alabama player has received an MVP award. In 1985, Paul Ott Carruth prevailed.

This Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CST, the NFL Network will broadcast this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl.

 

 

Entering his fourth year in the program, Ty Simpson waited his turn to be the starting QB for Alabama football. Now, he just has to hold off freshman phenom Keelon Russell.

 

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

In this era of college football, it’s rare to see a player who is patient. A player who is willing to wait his turn in line, keep his head down, and just do the work needed to eventually get an opportunity on the field. Usually, guys who don’t play after a year, two at most, will enter the Transfer Portal and seek greener grass elsewhere.

 

So when a guy does stick it out for the long haul, he deserves to be celebrated. Such is the case for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, the presumptive favorite to be the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025.

 

Simpson was a highly regarded prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, rated as a five-star in the 247 composite rankings.

 

He committed to Alabama fully knowing that there was no path to playing time during his freshman season with the Crimson Tide returning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young at QB. Simpson competed for the job in 2023, but ultimately couldn’t beat out Jalen Milroe.

 

Who knows if Simpson was given a fair crack at winning the job in 2024 or not or if Milroe was always going to be the starter, no matter what. But Simpson served as Milroe’s primary backup the last two seasons, playing sparingly, usually when Alabama had games well in hand.

 

There seems to be some confidence in Simpson by the coaching staff as Kalen DeBoer and company did not pursue a QB in the Transfer Portal during the winter cycle, contrary to some reports with regards to former Georgia QB Carson Beck.

 

While Simpson will be at the front of the line to begin spring practice, he’ll have to hold off the phenom and prized recruit in Alabama’s 2025 class. 5-star Keelon Russell, who finished as the No. 1 prospect in the country per Rivals and a consensus 5-star across all services.

 

Russell has drawn favorable comparisons to former LSU Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jayden Daniels and has arrived in Tuscaloosa oozing with confidence and ready to compete for the starting job right away.

 

Russell is likely the most talented QB on the roster, but picking up a collegiate system quickly enough to play as a true freshman is incredibly difficult. He also needs time in Alabama’s strength and conditioning program to bulk up to be able to withstand the hits that come as a starting QB at this level.

 

It’s easy to draw a parallel between Simpson and former Alabama QB Mac Jones. Jones also waited his turn and sat on the bench for three years. Jones signed in the same recruiting class as 5-star Tua Tagovailoa and one year after freshman Jalen Hurts won SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

 

Jones then got his chance in 2020 and was the signal-caller for perhaps the greatest college football team of all time.

 

Like Simpson, Jones had to hold off a freshman phenom. Bryce Young had the same confidence as Russell and came in ready to compete for the starting job.

 

I would caution, though, that Jones entered the 2020 season as a more experienced player than Simpson and had flashed more during his time on the field than Simpson has in relief of Milroe.

 

During his redshirt sophomore season in 2019, Jones made four starts due to various injuries to Tagovailoa. He also came on in relief and played a lot of snaps in two other games due to injury. Simpson’s next start will be his first.

 

With Tagovailoa suffering a season-ending injury against Mississippi State that season, Jones got all the starter reps during bowl practice and put together a terrific performance against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama’s win.

 

Milroe playing in the bowl game this year was understandable, but it also took away a lot of starter reps from Simpson, who could have used the bowl game to springboard himself toward a big 2025 season. Instead, Simpson will enter spring practice with limited first-team reps under his belt.

 

He has put plenty of work in, though, and he has the talent around him at receiver and running back to be successful, particularly if the offensive line comes together like it has the potential to.

 

Simpson has waited his turn and will now get his opportunity. But whether he can hold off Russell remains to be seen.