Alabama reportedly decides on backup QB to Jalen Milroe for Week 1

Tyler Buchner is Alabama’s backup quarterback heading into his first game with the Crimson Tide, according to ESPN insider Chris Low. It was revealed Friday that Jalen Milroe will take the first snaps for UA against Middle Tennessee.

Buchner transferred to Alabama in April for the third season of his college football career. In Tuscaloosa, Buchner reunited with Tommy Rees, his former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, who accepted the same position on Nick Saban’s staff. There was some offseason speculation that Buchner’s familiarity with Rees’ offense might land him the title of QB1 for the Crimson Tide.

In 2022, Buchner began the season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback. An injury forced him to miss 10 of the Irish’s 13 games. Buchner finished the season going 46-of-83 passing for 652 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, while rushing for 123 yards and 4 scores.

Low posted Saturday that Buchner will be available if Alabama needs another quarterback on Saturday against Middle Tennessee State. We will see if Saban uses Saturday’s game to play multiple QBs, or give Milroe a full-game tune-up before the Week 2 showdown with No. 11 Texas.

Consistency, protecting the football and accuracy on the shorter and intermediate routes will be key for Jalen Milroe. Tyler Buchner would be first off the bench if ⁦@AlabamaFTBL⁩ needs to go to a No. 2 QB. https://t.co/a2VAyN6o2E

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) September 2, 2023

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.