Ty Simpson Elevated to Alabama’s Starting Quarterback Role

Crimson Tide Names Simpson as Starting Quarterback

TUSCALOOSA, AL – In a move signaling a new era for Alabama football, head coach Kalen DeBoer announced Monday that redshirt junior Jalen Simpson has been named the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. The decision culminates a competitive offseason battle, with Simpson edging out redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon russell for the coveted role.

The announcement, delivered to the team during a meeting, wasn’t a surprise to those closely following preseason practices. DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb repeatedly indicated throughout the summer that Simpson would be their man if the season began instantly.

Sources within the program confirmed that Simpson’s command of the offense stood out during last Saturday’s preseason scrimmage, showcasing a level of comfort and control that separated him from his competitors. While all three quarterbacks reportedly performed well, simpson’s grasp of the playbook proved decisive.

“Jalen has consistently demonstrated the qualities we’re looking for in a leader and a quarterback,” DeBoer stated in a team address. “His understanding of the offense, his decision-making, and his ability to execute under pressure have earned him this opportunity.”

Simpson, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound redshirt junior, enters the season without a collegiate start to his name. Tho, he has flashed potential in limited action, most notably in 2022 against South Florida, where he orchestrated a 17-point comeback to secure a 17-3 victory, completing 5 of 9 passes for 73 yards and adding a rushing touchdown.

This quarterback competition follows a 2023 season where Jalen Milroe initially won the starting job, was later benched, and ultimately regained the position. Simpson and Tyler Buchner shared snaps against South Florida during milroe’s temporary benching, before Milroe resumed his role for the remainder of the 2023 and all of 2024 seasons.

A highly-touted recruit out of high school, Simpson was ranked as ESPN’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the 2022 class, choosing Alabama over prominent programs like Clemson and Tennessee.His football lineage runs deep, with his father, Jason Simpson, currently serving as the head coach at UT Martin.

Looking Ahead: The evolution of Alabama’s QB Situation

Alabama’s quarterback situation has been a focal point of national discussion for the past two seasons. The program’s sustained success demands consistent quarterback play, and DeBoer’s decision to go with Simpson represents a calculated risk – and a potential reward.

Historically, alabama has thrived with quarterbacks who possess both arm talent and the ability to extend plays with their legs. Simpson’s dual-threat capabilities align with this tradition, offering a dynamic element to the Crimson Tide’s offense.

However, the pressure will be immense. Stepping into the starting role at a program with Alabama’s championship expectations is a daunting task. Simpson will be tasked with not only managing the offense but also leading a team hungry to return to the College Football Playoff.

Season Opener on the Horizon

The Crimson Tide will open their 2024 season with a high-stakes road contest against Florida State on August 30th. The game, a rematch of last year’s close contest, will serve as a crucial early-season test for Simpson and the entire Alabama team. It will be a national stage to prove that the Crimson Tide are still a force to be reckoned with, and that Simpson is the quarterback to lead them back to the top.

How will Ty Simpson’s limited college game experience impact his performance under the pressure of regular season games?

The Rise of a Crimson Tide Quarterback

Alabama Crimson Tide fans have been eagerly awaiting clarity at the quarterback position, and that answer has arrived. As of today,August 12,2025,sophomore Ty Simpson has been officially named the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. this decision, announced by Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, marks a meaningful shift for the program and places considerable expectations on the young signal-caller. The news follows a highly competitive training camp featuring Simpson, Julian Sayin, and several other promising prospects vying for the role.

simpson’s Path to the Starting Role

Ty Simpson’s journey to becoming Alabama’s QB1 hasn’t been overnight. Recruited as a four-star prospect out of Martin High School in Arlington, Texas, Simpson was consistently lauded for his arm talent, accuracy, and poise under pressure.

Here’s a breakdown of his progression:

Freshman Season (2024): Simpson saw limited action in mop-up duty, allowing him to acclimate to the speed and complexity of college football. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown.

Spring Practice (2025): Simpson showcased noticeable improvement in his decision-making and command of the offense,earning praise from coaches and teammates.

Fall Camp (2025): Simpson consistently outperformed his competitors, demonstrating a strong grasp of the playbook and a knack for making key throws during crucial moments. His ability to extend plays and deliver accurate passes while under duress proved to be a deciding factor.

Key Stats from Fall Camp (Reported): 68% completion percentage, 12 touchdowns to 2 interceptions in scrimmage situations.

What This Means for the Alabama Offense

The elevation of Ty Simpson to the starting role signals a potential shift in offensive philosophy. While previous Alabama offenses have leaned heavily on a power running game, Simpson’s skillset suggests a greater emphasis on the passing attack.

Here’s how the offense could evolve:

1. Increased Passing Volume: Expect to see more play-action passes and deep throws, utilizing Simpson’s arm strength and accuracy.
2. Faster Tempo: Simpson’s swift release and ability to read defenses could allow Alabama to operate at a faster pace, keeping opposing defenses off balance.
3. Emphasis on Intermediate Routes: Simpson excels at throwing accurate passes to receivers in the intermediate range, opening up opportunities for yards after catch.
4. Utilizing Tight Ends: Expect increased involvement of Alabama’s tight ends in the passing game, exploiting mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

Key Players to Watch Alongside Simpson

Simpson won’t be carrying the load alone. Several key players will be crucial to the success of the Alabama offense:

Wide Receiver – Caleb Odom: A dynamic playmaker with exceptional speed and route-running ability. Odom is expected to be Simpson’s primary target.

Running Back – Justice Haynes: A powerful runner with excellent vision and pass-catching skills. Haynes will provide a reliable ground game and contribute in the passing attack.

Offensive Tackle – Miles Frazier: A veteran leader who will anchor the offensive line and provide Simpson with crucial protection.

Tight End – Robbie ouzts: A versatile player who can block effectively and make contested catches. Ouzts will be a key component of Alabama’s offensive scheme.

the competition: Julian Sayin and Beyond

While simpson has earned the starting nod, the quarterback competition was fierce. Julian Sayin, another highly-touted recruit, pushed simpson throughout training camp and remains a valuable asset to the team.

Sayin’s Role: Expected to serve as the primary backup quarterback, providing insurance in case of injury or underperformance.

Other Quarterbacks: Freshmen Walker white and Jake Pope will continue to develop and compete for playing time, adding depth to the quarterback room.

Impact on Alabama’s Championship Aspirations

Alabama’s success in the 2025 season hinges heavily on Simpson’s performance. A strong showing from the sophomore quarterback could propel the Crimson Tide back into College Football Playoff contention. The SEC is as competitive as ever, with teams like Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss posing significant challenges. Simpson’s ability to lead the offense effectively and make smart decisions under pressure will be critical to navigating the demanding conference schedule. The team’s overall ranking and potential for a national championship run are directly tied to his progress and leadership.

Analyzing Simpson’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Arm Talent: Possesses a strong and accurate arm, capable of making all the necessary throws.

Poise Under Pressure: Remains calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

Decision-Making: Has shown significant improvement in his ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions.

mobility: While not a dual-threat quarterback, Simpson is capable of extending plays with his legs and escaping pressure.

areas for Improvement:

experience: Lacks extensive game experience at the college level.

Consistency: Needs to maintain