2023 is an important year for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The most consistent team in college football across the past decade has, let’s face it, started to slip ever so slightly the past few years. At least by their standards.

Alabama and Clemson battled for true supremacy over the college football landscape before Kirby Smart and Georgia busted down the door and stole the crown. Now, the Bulldogs have won back-to-back titles and will be heavy favorites for a 3-peat in 2023.

The Tide boast a strong roster, as always, heading into the new season. However, there are some massive question marks where dethroning the reigning champs is concerned. Notably: Quarterback.

Josh Pate, host of the Late Kick podcast, addressed the Tide’s QB concerns in his Thursday show this past week. He argues the starter come fall is anyone’s guess between former 5-star Ty Simpson, returner Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner.

“I think they thought Ty Simpson was going to win the job in spring, but turnovers became too big of an issue. And at that point, you can’t force it. A guy’s got to take the job, you can’t force it on him. So, in light of that, they took Buchner from Notre Dame… I think people misread that situation. They read Alabama taking Tyler Buchner as ‘they’re taking him to be their starting quarterback.’ I never took it that way. Neither did anyone else on that roster, that’s why neither of the other 2 transferred. They’re all still there.”

Pate makes a solid point. Also, it also would say a lot about the Tide’s current confidence in the QB room should Buchner immediately start at one of the country’s premier college football programs. For reference, Buchner totaled just 651 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 3 games last season for the Fighting Irish.

Simpson probably has the highest ceiling of any QB on Alabama’s roster. We’ll see if the turnover issue as reported can resolve itself prior to the start of the season.