Alabama QB Ty Simpson received some praise on Thursday from an unexpected source. Simpson is currently attending the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana as he continues to work toward being the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback in 2025.
Simpson has waited his time in Tuscaloosa. This is his fourth year of college football, and he has been a career backup until now. Instead of transferring, however, Simpson has been patient. That patience looks ready to pay off.
Simpson's willingness to sit back and wait his turn instead of seeking out greener pastures and a quicker opportunity for playing time earned him praise on Thursday from star Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, a player who is currently projected to be one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft:
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik told @PeteNakos_ that he has 'so much more respect' for players who stay loyal🤝
— On3 (@On3sports) June 26, 2025
"Guys like Arch [Manning], Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Ty Simpson... . The guys that believe in the program and believe in the culture that they’re at... . There’s a… pic.twitter.com/0Em01l4xxQ
Of the group of quarterbacks Klubnik praised, Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar are returning commodities and proven starters. Arch Manning and Simpson will be first-time starters, though Manning started a couple of games for the Longhorns last year in place of an injured Quinn Ewers.
If Simpson is the guy for Alabama and he starts against Florida State in Tallahassee, it will be the first start of his career.
Klubnik believes in Simpson, obviously. He'll get an up-close look at the Tide QB this week as both attend the Manning Passing Academy.
Despite praise from peers and coaches, Simpson is still flying under the radar
Simpson has received praise this offseason from peers like Klubnik, and Alabama coaches Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb have also been complimentary of his progress, as he leads the QB race after a strong spring.
But you still won't see Simpson on many preseason watchlists or random rankings of the top quarterbacks in the country, or even just the SEC. Pundits are taking a wait-and-see approach with the Tide signal-caller.
Simpson will have everything he needs to be successful as a first-year starter. There is an elite offense around him. Alabama has one of the top offensive lines in the country on paper, a good stable of running backs, and an elite crop of wide receivers. A ferocious, opportunistic defense should ease the transition as well by taking a little pressure off.
Simpson doesn't have to make a star turn for Alabama to make the College Football Playoff. He just needs to be solid. Avoid turnovers. Hit the plays that are there to hit. That will be good enough.
But if Simpson does become one of the best quarterbacks in the country, then Alabama instantly becomes the favorite to win the National Championship.