Alabama’s DeBoer Drops Final Fall Camp Scoop—Miller & Roberts Banged Up, Simpson Honored, Tide Gears Up for Florida State
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer delivered his final fall camp update this week, and the news out of Tuscaloosa was as telling as it was intense. With the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State right around the corner, DeBoer gave updates on key injuries, rising leadership within the team, and how his squad is shaping up in the final stretch of preparation. Most notably, running back Jam Miller is officially out for the opener, offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts is working through concussion protocol, and quarterback Ty Simpson has not only won the starting job—he’s also earned the captain’s badge from his teammates.
Starting with Jam Miller, the talented backfield weapon suffered an injury during a recent scrimmage and has already undergone a minor medical procedure. The result: he’ll be on the sidelines when Alabama travels to Tallahassee to take on Florida State. While DeBoer didn’t lock in a timeline for Miller’s return, he did emphasize that the injury isn’t season-ending and that the recovery process is underway. Still, it’s a blow. Miller was expected to play a major role in this offense—not just in running the ball but in setting the tone physically and leading by example in a relatively young running back room.
With Miller sidelined, the Crimson Tide will lean on the depth of their backfield. Players like Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Dre Washington are all expected to carry more of the load. Each of them brings a slightly different style to the field, and how they adapt to the moment will say a lot about this team’s flexibility early in the season. While none of them have the combination of experience and explosiveness Miller offers, the staff has confidence in their development. This is one of those classic Alabama “next man up” moments, and DeBoer is banking on that mindset taking hold as the team prepares for what could be a tough opening opponent.
Meanwhile, on the offensive line, Jaeden Roberts is in concussion protocol and hasn’t participated in team drills since the injury. That said, the coaching staff appears cautiously optimistic that Roberts will be available for the season opener. According to DeBoer, he’s progressing through the return-to-play steps and has begun working back into individual portions of practice. While it’s too early to call him a lock for Florida State, there’s growing confidence he’ll be ready to suit up.
Roberts’ availability is critical. The offensive line is being counted on this year to not only protect a young quarterback but to establish the run game and control tempo. In his absence, others have been rotating through at guard, gaining valuable reps but also exposing just how vital Roberts is to the cohesion of that front five. Depth is always important, but experience and communication along the line are priceless—especially when opening against a team like Florida State, which has real talent in the front seven.
Speaking of quarterbacks, perhaps the most positive note of DeBoer’s update came when he spoke about Ty Simpson. Not only has Simpson claimed the starting job with authority, but he’s also emerged as a clear leader in the locker room. His teammates voted him team captain—a strong endorsement from a group that clearly respects his work ethic, voice, and poise. For a program that thrives on leadership and internal accountability, this is a huge sign that Simpson is being embraced in all the right ways.
DeBoer emphasized how natural Simpson’s transition into the leadership role has been. Even before being officially named the starter, Simpson had already been vocal in meetings, active in leading drills, and steady in his demeanor. Now that the title of “QB1” is officially his, he’s leaned even further into those responsibilities. According to DeBoer, he’s taken control of the offense—not just as a play-caller, but as a tone-setter. It’s clear the team feeds off his energy.
Simpson’s leadership will be tested immediately against Florida State. Alabama’s offense won’t just be trying to find its rhythm—it’ll be doing so without a top running back and possibly without a key offensive lineman. That puts extra pressure on the quarterback to make smart decisions, get the ball out quickly, and keep the chains moving with both his arm and his legs. Fortunately for the Tide, Simpson is capable of doing all of the above. His mobility, decision-making, and calm under pressure have improved dramatically, and the coaching staff has pointed to those traits as major reasons why he earned the nod over his competition in fall camp.
Behind Simpson, Alabama’s quarterback room remains one of the most talented in the country. Freshman Julian Sayin continues to develop quickly, Austin Mack has had flashes of brilliance, and Keelon Russell shows real long-term promise. But make no mistake—this is Simpson’s offense now, and how he handles the spotlight in Tallahassee will set the tone for Alabama’s 2025 campaign.
Zooming out a bit, the overall tone from DeBoer was focused, confident, but realistic. There’s no panic, even with injuries, because the program’s depth and preparation are built to withstand challenges like these. That said, there’s a clear sense that Week 1 is no ordinary opener. Florida State is a legitimate test—ranked in the top ten in most preseason polls, with veteran leadership and high-end talent on both sides of the ball. If Alabama is going to start the season with a statement, they’ll have to earn it.
DeBoer knows it, and so does the team. That’s why every snap in practice has been under scrutiny. Every personnel decision is calculated. The staff has been sharpening situational awareness, emphasizing tempo and execution in the red zone, and demanding attention to detail in pass protection. Nothing’s being left to chance—not in the first game of the season, and not in Year 2 of a tenure that’s expected to restore Alabama’s place at the top of the college football mountain.
So, where does that leave the Tide heading into the Florida State matchup? A little banged up, sure. Missing a key running back, possibly missing a starting lineman. But also riding a wave of new leadership, confident quarterback play, and the kind of gritty depth that championship programs rely on. The culture under DeBoer continues to mature, and there’s a clear belief that this group—while not perfect—is capable of great things.
Ty Simpson’s rise to captain isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a signal. A sign that the locker room has a voice it trusts. That the team has its face. And while Jam Miller’s absence will sting, it might also serve to galvanize this group early—force them to dig deeper, play smarter, and find new playmakers.
Injuries happen. Challenges always come early in a college football season. What separates contenders from pretenders is how they respond. Right now, Alabama seems to be doing more than just bracing—they’re leaning in, focused, and fully aware of what’s at stake. Florida State is looming, and the lights will be bright. But this team, led by DeBoer, powered by Simpson, and fueled by a hungry depth chart, is ready to write the next chapter.
And it starts next Saturday.
