Alabama names Ty Simpson starting quarterback ahead of 2025 season

Through the Alabama quarterback competition, one name has remained a constant. Coaches have continually spoken highly of Ty Simpson and now, it is going to be Simpson as QB1, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has officially made the decision.

Simpson beat out Austin Mack and Keelon Russell for the position. Mack is entering his second season with the program after following DeBoer to Tuscaloosa from Washington. Russell will still be someone Alabama fans are excited about moving forward, being a true freshman with a former Five-Star Plus+ designation.

Maybe down the road, Mack and Russell get back into a competition. But for now, Simpson is primed to take over as Alabama enters a critical 2025 season. Reviews have been high on him for a few months now, dating all the way back to spring practice.

“Ty is an accurate passer,” DeBoer said in July at SEC Media Days. “He throws a catchable ball and I think that’s so key. Whether it’s down the field, whether it’s crossing routes, quick outs, comebacks? I mean, he throws a catchable ball, one that’s easy to receive as a receiver. You can throw it hard, you can throw it soft and it doesn’t mean it’s always easy to catch. And so, he does that.”

Simpson played high school football at Martin (TN) Westview, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Three years were spent watching from the sidelines. Simpson got to watch Bryce Young work as a true freshman before being the main backup to Jalen Milroe in 2024. In an era where plenty of guys are transferring out in search of playing time, Simpson decided to stay with Alabama.

No matter who was named the starter, a ton of skill position talent is set to be in Ryan Grubb‘s offense. Alabama projects to be one of the better wide receiver rooms in all of college football. Jam Miller is an experienced running back too, being the headliner in a room with some depth.

Simpson appears to be set up for success this season. How he goes out and executes is a completely different story. We will find out beginning Aug. 30 when Alabama goes on the road to face off against the Florida State Seminoles in the season opener.

Click here to read article