In a major development for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, head coach Kaleb Deboer has officially named Ty Simpson as the team’s starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season. This announcement ends months of speculation regarding the quarterback battle, which has been one of the most talked-about storylines in Tuscaloosa throughout the offseason. Simpson, a rising sophomore, edged out Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, both highly-touted quarterbacks, for the coveted position.
Ty Simpson’s journey to the starting quarterback role has been a remarkable one. A former 5-star recruit from the state of Tennessee, Simpson arrived in Alabama in 2023 with high expectations. His first season saw limited playing time behind veteran Bryce Young, who would go on to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Despite his limited reps, Simpson showcased flashes of brilliance in mop-up duty, leading many to believe that he was the heir apparent to take over the offense in 2025.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, Simpson was considered by many as the frontrunner to take over as Alabama’s starting quarterback. He had the advantage of a year in the program, learning under one of the best quarterbacks in college football history, Bryce Young, and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. With his arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Simpson seemed poised to carry on Alabama’s tradition of elite quarterback play.
However, Simpson did not have an easy path to securing the starting job. Keelon Russell, a highly-regarded 4-star recruit from Texas, and Austin Mack, a transfer from the University of Florida, both provided strong competition throughout the offseason. Russell, known for his dual-threat ability, impressed coaches with his agility and his ability to extend plays with his legs. Mack, on the other hand, brought experience to the table after two seasons as a backup in Gainesville. His strong arm and ability to read defenses quickly made him a formidable contender.
Despite their impressive skills and promise, neither Russell nor Mack could quite match what Simpson brought to the table in terms of consistency and leadership. Russell struggled with his accuracy at times, particularly on deep throws, while Mack showed flashes of brilliance but had occasional lapses in decision-making. Both quarterbacks are expected to remain important contributors to the offense, as Alabama may incorporate some special packages for each player, but Simpson’s overall command of the offense gave him the edge.
Kaleb Deboer, who took over as Alabama’s head coach in late 2024 following the departure of Nick Saban, praised Simpson for his maturity and decision-making ability throughout the competition. Deboer emphasized that the decision was not based solely on talent but on the overall intangibles that make a successful starting quarterback. “Ty has been consistent, smart, and poised under pressure,” Deboer said during the announcement. “He’s shown the ability to lead this team and make the right plays when it matters. We believe he’s ready to take the reins and lead Alabama back to the top of college football.”
Deboer, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, has a reputation for making careful, calculated decisions in regard to his personnel. His trust in Simpson shows confidence in the young quarterback’s potential and his ability to step into a starting role for one of the most storied programs in college football.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ty Simpson as he looks to make his mark as the leader of the Crimson Tide. The expectations for Alabama football are always sky-high, and Simpson will be expected to live up to those lofty goals. While the pressure will certainly be intense, Simpson has shown in his brief appearances thus far that he has the ability to handle the spotlight.
With a talented supporting cast that includes an elite offensive line, a deep running back group, and a dynamic wide receiver corps, Simpson will have the tools at his disposal to succeed. Alabama fans are eager to see if he can continue the program’s legacy of success at the quarterback position and lead the team back to the College Football Playoff.
As for Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, both quarterbacks will continue to be important parts of the team’s depth chart, with the possibility of seeing playing time in certain situations or if Simpson faces injury or struggles. Alabama’s quarterback depth has never been a weakness, and the competition for the job has only made the Crimson Tide stronger.
In the coming months, Ty Simpson will have the chance to prove that Coach Deboer’s decision was the right one. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Alabama football fans, and Simpson’s performance could be a key factor in determining the team’s success.
