
When elite 4-star quarterback Jett Thomalla committed to the University of Alabama, he stepped into a legacy built by the brightest QBs in college football history. In a revealing interview, Thomalla took fans by surprise by naming former Crimson Tide star Bryce Young as his favorite Alabama QB—but said he models his game after another elite signal-caller.
“I really like Bryce. His demeanor, too. He’s a really cool guy. Clutchest QB we’ve ever had,” Thomalla said during a recent appearance on the Waaaay Offsides YouTube channel, praising Young’s calm under pressure and game-winning poise .
Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama’s first QB to earn the honor, was known for dramatic performances like his 97-yard game-winning drive in the 2021 Iron Bowl. He was subsequently selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though his NFL start has been rocky—with a 73.7 passer rating, 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 16 games—Thomalla says it’s Young’s collegiate excellence that inspires him .
But the admiration doesn’t stop there. Thomalla went on to say:
“I like to watch Joe Burrow. He’s my favorite quarterback. Just like his patience and demeanor. He’s kind of like a humble guy like me.” He expressed a strong connection to the LSU superstar, underscoring that while Young is his favorite Tide QB, Burrow offers the tactical blueprint he wants to replicate .
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🏈 What It Means for Alabama
Legacy Pick: Choosing Bryce Young as his favorite shows Thomalla appreciates the tradition and culture he’s joining in Tuscaloosa.
Blueprint in Burrow: Modeling his approach after Joe Burrow—a QB who thrived in high-pressure environments and led LSU to a national title—signals ambition and poise.
Expectations Set High: As he enters the Alabama program, the combination of Young’s legacy and Burrow’s methodology hints at Thomalla’s potential to make an immediate impact.
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📺 Watch Thomalla’s Full Interview
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The Takeaway
Jett Thomalla’s comments reflect a balanced mindset. He honors the legacy of Bryce Young while striving toward the mindset and composure of Joe Burrow. As he begins his journey under Alabama’s banner, fans can expect a QB who respects the past but is driven by a future-focused mentality.
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What do you think? Will Thomalla carry the legacy of Bryce Young or chart his own path à la Joe Burrow? Drop your thoughts below!