Nick Saban and Alabama have already started fall camp, meaning the Tide’s QB battle is already underway.

Aside from the Urban Meyer saga, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa are the talk of college football.

Several factors will play into Saban’s decision-making on making the ultimate decision, and he was asked Saturday if taking input from players or the team’s leadership council is one of them. He provided an interesting explanation.

“We don’t have a straw vote on the team as to who they think the QB ought to be,” Saban said. “It would be like any election. Most people don’t get elected unanimously. So, therefore, it would be a divisive vote that probably would not be healthy for the togetherness of the team. I think these things have to be made at a little higher level based on a set of circumstances relative to consistency in performance, other players believing in leadership. A lot of factors come into that that as a coaching staff, not just me, we have to make a determination as to how we should play the quarterbacks.

“Now, what you guys are totally fixed on is somebody has to be first team, and somebody has to be second team. Tell me why? I’m asking you, why? You can’t answer that? Well, then, why? I’m asking why? I mean, why do you think that way? I mean if there are people on our team that can contribute. I mean, why would we not utilize their abilities to be able to contribute on our team, in some form or fashion?”

Yes, Saban took the chance to slightly scold the media, but his answer is on point and right.

If Saban were to take input from players on the team, it would be divisive. Some would vote Hurts, while others would vote Tagovailoa. The decision has to absolutely come from the top, as it will help eliminate a locker room division. Let’s face it, the only team that’s going to slow down Alabama is Alabama. And any division in the locker room over the QB position could be a major contributor to that.

Saban also realizes that he can use both QBs during the season. One may be the every down QB, but the other can be a situational asset. He’s ruling nothing out at this point.

You can watch Nick Saban’s full press conference below: