"Keelon Russell is going to make life very very hard on Ty Simpson" - Nick Saban's ex-Alabama star predicts winner of QB1 battle

Keelon Russell is expected to serve as Ty Simpson's backup at Alabama next season. However, former Tide running back Damien Harris has predicted who will come out on top to lead Alabama's offense in Week 1 of the 2025 season.

Harris appeared on "CBS Sports' HQ Spotlight" on Tuesday and discussed Alabama's QB1 battle.

"They want a guy that can unlock the deep parts of the field with his arm and can also use his legs and be mobile," Harris said (Timestamp: 2:52). "And from what I've seen and heard, that is Keelan Russell in a nutshell.

"So, if he has the opportunity," He added, "and he keeps getting those reps throughout spring, throughout summer, those weeks in the training camp, I think he's going to make life very, very hard on Ty Simpson, as far as keeping that QB1 spot."

Russell played at Duncanville High School in Texas. In September 2023, the QB committed to play at SMU, but flipped his commitment to Alabama in June last year.

Although Russell has shown great potential, it remains to be seen whether he can land the QB1 role at Alabama in his freshman year.

Harris played four years at Alabama from 2015 to 2018 under legendary coach Nick Saban. He won two national titles with the program before entering the NFL.

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer declared Ty Simpson as QB1 this offseason

Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson - Source: Imagn

In May, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer declared Ty Simpson the team's QB1 for the offseason.

“If you had to play right now, go with the veteran in Ty (Simpson),” DeBoer said during an appearance on "The Paul Finebaum Show." “He did a nice job this spring. As for the others, we just need to keep the competition going. They know that there's expectation because they know where they’re at right now isn’t good enough for where we need to be."

Simpson was the backup to Jalen Milroe the previous season. In his limited gametime, the QB completed 14 of 25 passes for 164 yards with no touchdowns.

Ty Simpson has been at Alabama since 2022 and is in pole position to get the QB1 role. However, he will need to outperform Keelon Russell and Austin Mack in the offseason to tie down his starting role.