Ty Simpson is expected to start at quarterback for Alabama when the Crimson Tide face Florida State in their season opener on Aug. 30, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer. The redshirt junior earned the role by showing the consistency and leadership that second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff had been seeking, beating out returning transfer Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell, the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class.
A former five-star prospect himself, Simpson was ranked No. 29 nationally in the 2022 recruiting cycle and signed with Alabama under Nick Saban. He took most of the first-team reps in April’s spring game, finishing without a turnover. While offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb initially said in fall camp he would let the QB battle play out, he later confirmed he had a structured evaluation process and would name the starter when ready.
Simpson has served as Jalen Milroe’s backup the past two seasons, losing the 2023 camp competition but briefly playing behind Tyler Buchner against USF after Milroe was benched. That game exposed areas for improvement, which Simpson addressed over the following seasons. Now entering 2025, he is Alabama’s most experienced quarterback, with appearances in 12 games and 381 passing yards on a 58% completion rate.
Despite the lack of career starts in the QB room, DeBoer chose not to add a transfer, confident in the group’s talent and depth. Simpson’s decision to stay through coaching changes reflects his loyalty and the program’s culture. DeBoer praised Simpson’s patience and development, noting he’s “the greatest example” of staying the course.
Saban also voiced support for his former recruit, calling Simpson “an outstanding high school player” whose growth over two years has prepared him for this opportunity, and expressing confidence he’ll succeed.
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