Key Announcement & Background
Alabama has officially tapped Ty Simpson, a redshirt junior, as the starting quarterback for their season opener at Florida State in Tallahassee on August 30, 2025 .
Simpson won the coveted QB1 position amid tough competition from redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell . He seems to have distinguished himself most vividly during Alabama’s fall camp and the recent scrimmage, where his command of the offense and leadership appeared to outshine his rivals .
Simpson’s Journey & Stats
- A former five-star recruit from Tennessee, Simpson has patiently bided his time for this opportunity .
- Over three seasons sparingly utilized as a backup, he has taken part in 16 games, going 29-for-50 passing for 381 yards, with 0 passing touchdowns or interceptions, alongside 130 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns .
- His most notable moment came in a 2023 game at South Florida: stepping in mid-game, he led a scoring drive and ran in a crucial touchdown for a 17–3 win .
Coach & QB Room Perspective
Head coach Kalen DeBoer complimented Simpson’s unwavering character and loyalty, noting how he stayed the course rather than transferring — a rarity in today’s college game . DeBoer further emphasized that Simpson’s consistency and unity within the QB room made his selection clear .
From Simpson’s own remarks: “They went through the X’s and O’s of why I would be the starter and said they were really, really proud of the QB room for how tight-knit we were” . He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the journey, saying he remained because he believed in the program and the team .
Offensive staff, including OC Ryan Grubb and QBs coach Nick Sheridan, echoed the praise—highlighting Simpson’s growth and leadership during fall camp .
Context & Implications
Alabama enters the season ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP poll — a relative low for the storied program, reflecting some uncertainty at the QB position and the transitional phase under DeBoer .
Interestingly, this season’s Week One carry extra weight as the College Football Playoff has expanded to 12 teams. That means an early loss likely won’t derail postseason hopes — instead, these marquee matchups offer a chance to evaluate new quarterbacks like Simpson right out of the gate .
What It All Means
- Experience meets opportunity: Simpson’s selection rewards his perseverance and reflects confidence in his readiness.
- Leadership and character: He wasn’t just the best option on X’s and O’s — coaches and teammates emphasize his intangibles.
- Less pressure, more stage: With the expanded playoff format, early-season performances are less do-or-die, more about building momentum and clarity.
- Florida State spotlight: His debut will come against a struggling FSU squad in a hostile environment — a real test for the new starter.
Final Thoughts
Ty Simpson’s turn as Alabama’s starter represents more than just a change on the depth chart—it’s the culmination of a quiet, steady rise rooted in loyalty, maturity, and seizing the moment.
I’ll keep an eye on how this unfolds through the scrimmages, media sessions, and the opener itself — just let me know if you’d like ongoing updates or deeper analysis on play style, game planning, or QB matchups!
