(BCSNN) — Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has named redshirt junior Ty Simpson as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against Florida State on Aug. 30. The decision, announced to the team Monday night, ends a months-long competition and sets the stage for Simpson’s long-awaited debut as QB1.
Simpson beat out redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell in a three-way battle that culminated in Alabama’s first fall scrimmage. According to ESPN, Simpson’s command of the offense and consistency in camp gave him the edge. “Ty’s preparation and leadership have been outstanding,” DeBoer said. “He’s earned this opportunity.”
A former five-star recruit from Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, Simpson was the No. 2 quarterback in the 2022 class and chose Alabama over Clemson and Tennessee. He is the son of longtime UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson and grew up immersed in football, often attending practices and workouts before school. His early exposure to the game helped shape his reputation as a cerebral, hard-working leader.
Simpson has spent three seasons learning behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, appearing in 16 games and completing 29 of 50 passes for 381 yards. His most notable action came in a 2023 win over South Florida, where he threw for 73 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Though his game reps have been limited, Simpson has drawn praise for his poise and maturity.
Alabama enters the season ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP Poll after a 9–4 campaign in 2024, the program’s first under DeBoer following Nick Saban’s retirement. The Crimson Tide are looking to rebound from their first non–double-digit win season since 2007, and Simpson’s performance will be pivotal in that effort.
The season opener against Florida State, set for Aug. 30 at Doak Campbell Stadium, will be a high-stakes test for Simpson and the Tide. With College Football Playoff implications on the line, Alabama hopes its new signal-caller is ready to lead on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
