In the 1965 season, Stabler and Steve Sloan both played quarterback for the team following Namath's departure to the AFL. With the two splitting time at the position, the Crimson Tide won their second consecutive National Championship. The team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl, 39–28. As a junior in 1966, he took over the quarterback position full-time. He led the team to an undefeated, 11–0 season which ended in 34–7 rout of Nebraska in the Sugar Bowl.