5 is hard. So here's my 10.
10. Jeff Rutledge
One National Title, 3 SEC Championships
9. Greg McElroy
The quintessential game-manager passer, who knew how to avoid mistakes. In two years as a starter, he threw for 37 touchdowns, with only nine ints. Led Bama to Saban's first National Championship at Alabama.
8. Pat Trammell
The Bear's first title-winning quarterback. Threw for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns, which was a lot in 1961.
7. Ken Stabler
What can you say about the "run in the mud" Snake?
6. Jalen Hurts
First freshman to start for Saban, and led Bama to a National Championship and was named SEC player of the year. He helped beat Georgia when Tua was injured.
5. Jay Barker
Won the National Championship under Stallings. In his last year, he won both the SEC Player of the year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
4. Mac Jones
One National Championship. Threw for 41 touchdowns against 4 picks, and led the nation with 4,500 passing yards in 2020. Single season completion record of 77.4%. Yes, he was throwing to 4 NFL receivers, but you can't argue with his numbers.
3. Joe Namath
One National Championship. Well, Bryant called Namath the greatest athlete he ever coached. So there's that.
2. Tua Tagovailoa
Stepped in to replace Jalen Hurts, and beat Georgia for the National Championship. His 2nd and 26 play is considered one of the greatest plays in Alabama history. Before his injury in 2019, he had 33 touchdowns with only 3 ints. His career 87 touchdown passes and 7,442 passing yards rank first and third in program history.
1. AJ McCarron
Started 3 full seasons, and was a member of three title-winning teams. And the only Alabama quarterback to lead the Tide to two National Championships. Finished his career with over 9,000 passing yards, 77 touchdowns, and only 15 ints.
