With redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and a five-star true freshman Keelon Russell all in the mix, the Alabama Crimson Tide QB1 competition was tough. But on Monday, August 11, coach Kalen DeBoer made it official: Simpson gets the nod.
What’s interesting? Simpson wasn’t exactly Nick Saban’s favorite. So why did DeBoer choose him? According to an insider, DeBoer had a solid reason, and now the question is whether Simpson is ready to prove the doubters wrong and confidently lead Alabama.
Ty Simpson’s Shift: From Nick Saban’s Doubt to Kalen DeBoer & Alabama’s QB1
Simpson led the Crimson Tide’s QB1 competition through spring. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb even said Simpson would be the starter if the season began then. Still, the coaching staff wanted more consistency, and the battle stretched into fall camp with Mack and Russell also pushing hard.
After Alabama’s first scrimmage on Saturday, August 9, Simpson finally sealed the job. According to ESPN’s Chris Low, HC DeBoer was particularly impressed by Simpson’s confidence, especially compared to last spring, when Simpson lacked the edge and Saban gave the nod to Jalen Milroe instead.
Simpson impressed DeBoer with the way he performed last spring and in preseason camp. The thought with Saban and the previous staff going into the 2023 spring was that Simpson was likely the guy, but he didn’t play with confidence and Milroe won the job. https://t.co/y41O8SJUrd
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 12, 2025
Simpson’s rise is a story of patience and persistence. He’s entering his fourth year with the program, having sat behind Bryce Young in 2022 and Milroe in 2023 and 2024.
His most notable action came during Alabama’s 2023 matchup with South Florida. He stepped in for Milroe, went 5-of-9 for 73 yards, and ran in a 1-yard touchdown to help secure a 17–3 win after a shaky first half. Milroe returned the following week and finished the season.
In an era dominated by transfer moves and NIL deals, Simpson is something of a throwback, sticking with one school, waiting his turn, and earning his shot the hard way. He’s never started a college game or thrown a touchdown pass, but he’s racked up 381 passing yards and 130 rushing yards with three touchdowns on the ground.
More importantly, he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff and the locker room. Teammates consistently spoke highly of him throughout the competition, and DeBoer sees leadership potential.
Simpson came to Alabama as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in his class, turning down offers from Clemson and Tennessee. Football runs in the family; his father, Jason Simpson, has been the head coach at UT Martin since 2006. This made him the longest-tenured coach in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 115–87 record and four conference titles.
Now, Simpson steps into the spotlight under DeBoer, who’s looking to rebound from a 9–4 debut season, the Tide’s first without double-digit wins since Saban’s first year in 2007.
