In college football's top quarterbacks, the expected starting quarterback for Alabama, Ty Simpson, receives little to no love. Another Top 25 Quarterbacks list, published by USA Today, did not include Simpson. In Phil Steele's deep dive into everything college football, the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback unit is ranked No. 36.
Maybe pundits have forgotten that Alabama's fourth-year QB was a 5-star recruit in the 2022 class. Or maybe recency bias is driving some to assume Simpson's modest college career stats mean his talent has fizzled.
The reality is that statistically the rankings are not wrong. Alabama has an unproven quarterback group. In three seasons, Ty Simpson had thrown just 50 passes. Austin Mack has attempted only three college passes. Keelon Russell is a true freshman. The preseason rankings of players lack merit if they are based on potential rather than results.
There is a subtle irony in Ty Simpson's situation. He will go into the 2025 Alabama football season with much to prove. But, for the Alabama Crimson Tide to be successful, Simpson should not have to be one of the nation's top quarterbacks. Alabama can be a national championship as long as Simpson is a good quarterback. He doesn't have to be great.
'Good' Is Enough for Alabama Football
A claim that a 'good' Ty Simpson is enough for the Crimson Tide is based on three factors. The main one is the Alabama roster is loaded with talent. Alabama has deep talent at wide receiver and running back. If the Crimson Tide does not have the best receiver group in the nation, it is certainly top five.
Secondly, the success of Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb in crafting high-power offenses is expected to continue at Alabama. The third factor is the Alabama defense is expected to be one of the nation's best. Kane Wommack improved during the 2024 season. It finished No. 10 in Scoring Defense. Alabama should be even stingier in the 2025 season. Alabama should be able to win shootouts if needed, but the strong defense likely means it will not have to do so with any frequency.
Ty Simpson has not lost his potential to be a good quarterback. If he becomes one, Alabama will be a national title contender. If he becomes a great one, the Crimson Tide could win it all.