Bryce Young Officially Named Alabama's Starting QB; Will Take Over for Mac Jones

As expected, Bryce Young will be under center for Alabama in Week 1.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban officially announced Young as the starter Monday for their season opener against Miami.

"Bryce has done a nice job," Saban told reporters Monday. "He's confident and accurate with the ball."

Young was the nation's No. 2 overall player and top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 class per 247Sports' rankings. He threw for 156 yards and a touchdown during his freshman campaign, making brief appearances in seven games as Mac Jones' backup. Jones reset the Alabama passing record books last season with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns through the air.

Young is more of a threat with his legs than Jones or Tua Tagovailoa, so he should bring a new dynamic to the Tide offense.

“There’s obviously expectations,” Young told Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “For me, regardless of what happened in high school or any past experience I’ve had, coming to ’Bama is where you come for pressure and where you come for expectations.” 

Alabama opens the season as the nation's top-ranked team despite having new starters at quarterback, running back and the top two wideout spots. Much of the optimism regarding the offense is related to the belief Young can be as good, if not better, than the two first-round picks who preceded him in Tuscaloosa.