It's not exactly surprising that Ty Simpson contemplated entering the Transfer Portal multiple times during his time with Alabama football. The class of 2022 5-star waited on the bench for three years before getting his opportunity this season as the team's starting QB.
Simpson has flourished as Alabama's starter this year. His patience paid off. But most in his position wouldn't have waited as long as he did for an opportunity. Simpson nearly didn't wait, either.
Simpson contemplated entering the Transfer Portal after losing the starting QB battle to Jalen Milroe during the 2023 season. Milroe's performance in leading the team to an SEC Championship and the Rose Bowl assured his spot as the starter in 2024, meaning another year of sitting on the bench for Simpson.
But it was the retirement of Nick Saban that nearly sent Simpson packing. According to a new story by ESPN's Mark Schlabach, Simpson was closer to leaving the Crimson Tide than anyone probably knew. More shocking was Simpson's planned destination in the Transfer Portal if he left.
Georgia.
Simpson's first introduction to DeBoer reportedly didn't go as Simpson wanted, and with Milroe returning and the new staff snagging Washington transfer QB Austin Mack in the portal, Simpson was uncertain what the staff planned for him.
"Following Simpson's awkward introduction to DeBoer, his family started exploring options, Schlabach writes. "Simpson's parents told him not to attend the first two days of classes in case he wanted to transfer. It was decided that if Simpson had to leave Alabama, he would transfer to SEC rival Georgia. His mother was already searching for a place for him to live in Athens."
Bombshell report states Ty Simpson nearly transferred to Georgia
DeBoer ultimately reeled Simpson back into the boat after their first one-on-one meeting. But can you imagine for a moment if Simpson had left - and chosen Georgia, of all places?
It would have been a curious decision for Simpson, who likely would have had starting opportunities at quite a few places last year if he had entered the portal. Georgia probably wasn't one of them with a returning starter in Carson Beck.
Imagine a world in which Alabama faces Georgia this season and Simpson is the Bulldogs' starting QB instead of the Crimson Tide's? The redshirt junior has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and is not only in the Heisman Trophy discussion, but has put himself squarely in the mix as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Simpson has completed 67% of his passes for over 2400 yards and 21 touchdowns to just one interception. He's led Alabama to eight straight wins after the season-opening loss to Florida State. The Crimson Tide is in a strong position to play for the SEC Championship and make the College Football Playoff.
None of that would have been likely for this team if Simpson ended up in Athens.