Every position for the Alabama Crimson Tide is seemingly filled but one. A quarterback battle for the ages rages on this Spring. With new five-star recruit Keelon Russell, transfer stud Austin Mack, and long-tenured Tidesman Ty Simpson, it is far from decided. While most have clamored for the nod to go to Russell, Simpson has shown this Spring that he is not to be slept on.
Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson
The Path So Far
Simpson is a former five-star recruit. Hailing from Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, he has bided his time as the backup throughout his tenure on the roster.
Ty Simpson arrives on campus today 🥳#RollTide pic.twitter.com/Rf8p3xak3a
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) December 16, 2021
Simpson has been highly touted since his time as a recruit. However, he has yet to receive a fair shake, with Bryce Young on the roster his freshman year and Jalen Milroe serving as a starter in the last two.
The senior has seen the field during his time with Bama in a limited capacity. Coming mostly in out-of-reach games, Simpson has made 50 pass attempts and 22 rushing attempts over the last three years. With no starts under his belt, it has been hard for the quarterback to find a groove through the air. He still has 381 yards passing, with 131 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.
Turning Heads This Spring
Russell may now hold the hype that Simpson once commanded. That has not stopped the battle veteran from turning heads with his performance so far this Spring. It has come in a small sample size to this point, but the senior has seen a shift in his favor for the starting nod.
Even former Crimson Tide players of the same position have made their voices heard. In a recent episode of the podcast “Always College Football,” Greg McElroy sang praises of Simpson’s efforts to this point in the Spring.
“I believe the gap exists right now between Ty Simpson and everybody else,” McElroy said. “But how big is that gap?”
“One thing that I’ve been really interested in with Ty Simpson is how does he develop as a leader.” McElroy continued. “I was told by the staff two years ago that he was the best quarterback on the roster. The problem is that at that point, some things needed to be ironed out with his confidence. What he could get away with, what he can do at this level, what he can’t do at this level.”
Hear me out: If Ty Simpson starts for Alabama, I think he’ll actually end up being a better dual-threat quarterback than Jalen Milroe. pic.twitter.com/iZnTXlpjwY
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) March 12, 2025
Simpson’s confidence as a runner has been ever present. But with the lack of consistent time on the field, that confidence has failed to translate to his passing game to this point.
The world bore witness to what Alabama is capable of with a dual-threat quarterback. And last year, Milroe did not even perform to the best of his ability in the passing game. Simpson has the talent to make things work through the air and on the ground. With offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb leading the offense and head coach Kalen DeBoer at the helm, a dual threat can terrorize opposing defenses.
Last Chance for Simpson?
2025 will be Simpson’s senior year and fourth with the program. The quarterback battle is far from decided. If it does go to Simpson, it will be the culmination of all of the work he has put in with the team over the years. However, the nod could go to Russell or even to Mack. If it does, it could spell the end of Simpson’s bid for a starting role. A talent like Russell will not ride the bench for more than one season.
Simpson has continued to show his commitment to the program. Even through a coaching change, Simpson has stayed true. That alone does not earn a player a starting job, but it can certainly help their odds.
For Simpson, those odds are split between him and two others vying for the job. However, if he can keep turning heads this Spring, his patience may finally pay off.
Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
