Alabama Football’s 2023 quarterback depth chart: A closer look

Tyler Buchner

So who is this guy? Who could possibly come in after spring ball and start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide?

Buchner was the opening day starter for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last season, but after an 0-2 start and a shoulder injury against Marshall, he would miss the rest of the regular season.

But Buchner stayed resilient and eventually returned for the bowl game against South Carolina where he won Gator Bowl MVP.

In the contest, he accounted for 334 yards (273 through the air) and had 5 total touchdowns (3 passing).

It should be noted that it wasn’t all good for Buchner as he did throw 3 interceptions, two of which were pick-six’s.

Entering the spring, Notre Dame was in the quarterback transfer market and received Sam Hartman, the top rated signal caller in the portal (per 247 sports).

Drew Pyne, who started in replacement of Buchner during the 2022 season, transferred before the Gator Bowl to Arizona State in mid-December.

So that left a quarterback battle between Hartman and Buchner with Hartman firmly securing the starting spot by spring’s end.

The nail in the coffin for Buchner was putting up a donut in the points column during the spring game juxtaposed to Hartman going 13 for 16  for 169 yards and 3 total touchdowns.

The main concerns for Buchner revolve around what his ceiling can be.

He, just like the rest of the Alabama football signal callers, has plenty of eligibility left (3 years). But since being named the starter for the Irish at the beginning of 2022, it’s been more bad than good.

Granted he will be familiar with Rees, and he did receive a scholarship from Alabama while a prospect in high school, he’ll still have some work to do if he wants to take the opening snap against Middle Tennessee.