The future of Alabama’s quarterback lineup is taking shape with an intriguing mix of emerging talent. Ty Simpson looks to be the go-to starter for 2025, with Keelon Russell primed to take the reins afterward. This roadmap may set up a seamless transition, but it does throw a wrench in recruiting for the 2026 class—where coach Kalen DeBoer is facing a tight market with the cream of the crop already committed elsewhere.
As DeBoer sifts through QB options, two four-star prospects, Matt Ponatoski and Jett Thomalla, have captured his attention. However, he recently cast a wider net by extending an offer to Tayden Kaawa, a rising talent in the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 190 pounds, Kaawa hails from Honolulu but hones his skills at Orem High School in Utah—a hotbed for dual-sport athletes. Impressionable on both the football field and baseball diamond, Kaawa’s collection of offers, including leave from Cal and now Alabama, reflects his growing stock. Mississippi State has also thrown its hat in the ring, and Alabama’s interest might just spark a SEC domino effect.
Kaawa may not have the imposing arm strength you sometimes see in top-tier recruits, but he’s not to be underestimated. His stride is long and deceptive when he breaks out as a runner, yet his true forte lies in picking defenses apart from the pocket—blending quick release with surgical accuracy. Drawing quick comparisons to another renowned Alabama quarterback from Hawaii, Kaawa boasts decision-making acumen that more than compensates for any perceived arm power gap.
Yet, dropping any quarterback into the mix at Alabama means dealing with traffic on the depth chart. With Russell poised to steer the ship, and Simpson and Austin Mack eyeing greener pastures via the transfer portal, depth becomes critical. DeBoer’s challenge is not just securing talent but selling them on the long game—developing behind Russell with an eye on future starting potential once Russell ascends to the NFL, possibly as soon as the 2028 Draft.
In a landscape where an immediate starting role at a Group of Five school might seem tempting to recruits, persuading a young QB like Kaawa to embrace a development track at Alabama tests the persuasive powers of DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this offseason. Balancing patience with opportunity will be key in this high-stakes game of recruitment.
