Ty Simpson named starting QB for Tide

August 11, 2025 – Tuscaloosa, AL - Coach Kalen DeBoet has named redshirt Junior Ty Simpson the starting quarterback ending an eight month quarterback competition.

Simpson was the experienced backup.

Simpson was named QB1 for the opening game against Florida State.

Critics of Simpson question if he has the arm strength to push the ball down the field. They also question his athleticism and ability to take the ball and run it for more than a minimal gain.

Supporters of Simpson point out that this is the second year that he has been in DeBoer's offense, That combined with his and his leadership and maturity they believe will lead to smart decisions and the right play call. They say that Simpson is not a statue in the pocket and has shown the ability to make plays with his legs.

The starting job opened up in January when Senior quarterback Jalen Milroe elected to enter the NFL draft rather than stay for a fifth year of eligibility with the Tide. Milroe was extremely talented; but his performances could be very up and down. Alabama defeated Georgia largely due to a phenomenal individual performance by Milroe combined with a number of turnovers by Georgia. That win vaulted Alabama to a number one in the country ranking. On the bad side of the ledger, Milroe (and the rest of the offense) had a very poor performance against Oklahoma that effectively eliminated the Tide from serious playoff contention.

Simpson was a five star recruit from the 2022 draft class. He waited for his chance behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. His patience paid off and he is now Alabama's new starting quarterback

Ty Simpson has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide heading into the 2025 season. After three years of waiting in the wings behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, Simpson-a redshirt junior and former five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee-has earned his shot to lead the Tide.

Simpson was rated No. 29 overall in the 2022 class. Simpson was a dual-threat QB prospect out of Westview High School.

Simpson has appeared in 16 games, but he has passed for just 381 yards in his college career. He has rushed for three touchdowns, though he has yet to throw a touchdown pass in college.

DeBoer praised Simpson's maturity, consistency, and team-first mentality.

"He's just been really consistent... the command of the offense and the trust that everyone has in him, you can see it continue to build," DeBoer said.

Alabama hopes to cut down on the turnovers the Tide had in the 2024 season.

Simpson will be backed up by redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell.

The transition from Milroe to Simpson likely means that veteran running back Jam Miller will play a more significant role in the offense.

The Tide has done a lot to improve its wide receiver room – a group that disappointed last year.

Simpson will need to get the Tide offense fast as this year the Tide opens at Florida State, plays Louisiana Monroe and Wisconsin at home and then goes to Athens to play Georgia. If the Tide is 2 and 2 in September (a real possibility) there will be a lot of pressure on the coaching staff to turn to Mack or Russell.

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