While the Alabama Crimson Tide's biggest offseason question mark surrounding the quarterback position has been answered, there are still a few others across the roster still left to be decided. One of the biggest in that conversation comes on special teams where both Conor Talty and Lorcan Quinn are each in a competition to determine who gets the start at kicker in Week 1 against East Carolina. According to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer on Monday afternoon as well, it appears that competition is close between the two, with the Crimson Tide yet to name a starter at the position.
"Kicker is extremely competitive right now," DeBoer said. "I'll just tell you, I'm not afraid to brag on these guys, they both kicked at the end of a two-minute period yesterday. Went back-to-back, I gave both guys a shot from 58, and both of them hit it. It isn't about distance, and yes at some point you can only kick it so far, but it was really no-doubters when they hit it. "
"These guys are competing, battling, and are two extremely talented guys, so that competition is still going. Punter, those guys are competing too. We're not ready to declare anyone in the specialists. "
Talty is Alabama's returning starter from a year ago, with the senior making 16-of-23 field goals, as well as all 48 extra point attempts, last fall. Quinn, a sophomore, transferred to Alabama over the offseason from Marshall where he led the Sun Belt with 21 made field goals on 26 attempts last fall, while also converting 38-of-39 extra points. Alabama is set to open the 2026 season Saturday, Sept. 5 against East Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Kalen DeBoer says key Alabama position battle 'extremely competitive'