For the first time in what seemed to be a decade, the Alabama football program had real question marks at the quarterback position last year. An early season benching of signal-caller Jalen Milroe led to head coach Nick Saban turning to Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner, with the latter earning the starting nod against the USF Bulls. However, a poor showing by Buchner, and later Ty Simpson, forced Saban back to Milroe the following week. Milroe never looked back, earning Heisman votes after a 35-touchdown campaign, including 11 in his last three regular-season games.
Milroe will return to Tuscaloosa next season, while Simpson will play a backup role again. Conversely, Buchner returned to Notre Dame following the conclusion of the 2023 campaign but intended to play lacrosse over football. Although he became a national champion in lacrosse, Buchner announced this week that he would return to football next fall as a walk-on wide receiver with the Fighting Irish.
Former Alabama Football QB Tyler Buchner: Returning to Football as Walk-On
Tyler Buchner, a four-star quarterback in the class of 2021 per 247Sports, landed with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish out of high school. Buchner played a reserve role during his two-year stint at Notre Dame, mainly behind fellow passers Jack Coan and Drew Pyne. He threw for six touchdowns against eight picks during that span. The dual-threat Buchner also added seven scores via the ground.
NEWS: Former Alabama, Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner announced he is re-joining the Irish Football team as a walk-on☘️
Buchner will play WR according to @tbhorka. https://t.co/FbGrCAXVd4 pic.twitter.com/ejjHCsQUb9
— On3 (@On3sports) May 31, 2024
Buchner entered the transfer portal following the 2022 season, landing with Nick Saban and Alabama football. After losing out on the starting job to Jalen Milroe, the California native made his first career start against the USF Bulls in Week 3. He struggled, going 5-of-14 for 34 yards. He was eventually benched for Ty Simpson, who equally labored in an eventual Alabama win. Milroe returned to the starting role the following game, with Buchner heading back to the bench for the remainder of the season.
Buchner again entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, but instead as a lacrosse player. He returned to Notre Dame, helping lead the Fighting Irish to a national championship. However, on Friday, he announced his intent to return to football as a walk-on wideout.
Alabama Football: QB Depth Chart
The departure of Tyler Buchner and former five-star prospect Julian Sayin has forced newly minted head coach Kalen Deboer to reset the bottom of their quarterback depth chart. Jalen Milroe, last year’s starter, returns after a Heisman-caliber season. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson, who has two rushing touchdowns in his career with Alabama, will likely be the team’s number two quarterback. However, Washington transfer Austin Mack could usurp Simspon as the Crimson Tide’s secondary option. Alabama also houses Dylan Lonergan, a four-star recruit from the class of 2023.
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