In the opening game of the 2025 season for Alabama Football and Florida State, there will be two determined quarterbacks. That may be their only similarity.
A few days before the start of Fall Camp, Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson sent a message via Instagram. It could have been directed at his quarterback competitors, or Alabama fans, or the Crimson Tide's opponents. It might have been intended for all three. More likely, it was a message of determination Simpson is committed to when he said, "When I get on the field, Alabama fans should know that I’m going to do everything it takes to win. I’m going to make sure that I’m the toughest guy on the field."
What Simpson did not do was mention any other team. That is one reason why his words were more powerful than the words FSU QB, Thomas Castellanos has said and continues to say.
Weeks ago, Castellanos said, "I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.” Plenty of people, including it is suspected some of his FSU teammates, noticed he said 'me' and not 'we.'
This week during ACC Media Days, Castellanos said he meant Alabama "no disrespect ... but we stand on what I said." At least FSU's media coaches did get Castellanos to use the 'we' word. Castellanos had no choice but to repeat the claim. Otherwise, he would have been seen as backing down. Florida State coach Mike Norvell also had no choice to do anything but praise Castellanos as a quarterback and as a person.
Neither Castellanos or Norvell could reverse the damage done by the quarterback's initial stupidity. Calling out Alabama Football or any worthy opponent is beyond foolish. Norvell certainly knows that. The FSU coach added, "We’re not here to try to speak ourselves into a victory. We’re trying to go earn a victory. You (Castellanos) better show up every single day and let’s go be what we’re capable of being."
Ty Simpson and Alabama Football understand leadership
Ty Simpson does not need such advice. To his credit and also the Alabama Crimson Tide football staff, Simpson doesn't need tutoring about leadership. Simpson's most telling statement was, "One thing about our team this year, I feel like we’re just so close. Nobody feels like they’re bigger than the team. Nobody feels like it’s all about them. And if somebody doesn’t do their job, then it’s all on us"
Ty Simpson is not Alabama's QB1 yet, but he has already aced a leadership test.