Redshirt junior Ty Simpson is expected to be Alabama’s starting quarterback for the season opener against Florida State on August 30, according to sources. Simpson reportedly demonstrated the consistency and leadership that head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff were seeking throughout a competitive race for the position.
The former five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 29 overall player in the 2022 class, secured the starting role over fellow returnee Austin Mack and five-star true freshman Keelon Russell. Simpson’s performance in the spring game, where he took most of the first-team reps and was the only quarterback to avoid a turnover, signaled his potential to lead the offense.
After spring practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb stated that Simpson had “earned” the right to start. However, at the beginning of fall camp, Grubb said the competition would “run its course,” indicating a thorough evaluation was still underway before a final decision was made.
Simpson, who backed up Jalen Milroe for the past two seasons, has remained with the program through the coaching transition from Nick Saban to DeBoer. He saw limited action during his first years, including a difficult appearance against South Florida in 2023 after Milroe was temporarily benched. Simpson later acknowledged he “tried too hard” in that game and used the experience as a catalyst for growth. He enters the 2025 season as the team’s most seasoned quarterback, with 12 career game appearances.
DeBoer expressed confidence in his quarterback room throughout the offseason, opting not to pursue an addition from the transfer portal. He cited Simpson as a prime example of a player’s development and loyalty. “Ty is the greatest example of that, going into his fourth year right now,” DeBoer said in July. “Just stay the course. Just keep plugging away.”
Saban, who recruited Simpson, also endorsed his former player’s readiness. “He matured and developed for two years. Now he’s gonna get an opportunity, and I think his experiences are probably gonna help him be successful,” Saban said in May. “We’re rooting for him, that’s for sure. I have every confidence he’ll do a great job.”
Source link
