Ty Simpson among four Alabama players named team captains for 2025 by teammates

There should be no question that the Alabama locker room is fully behind Crimson Tide starting QB Ty Simpson. A little over a week after winning the starting QB job, Simpson's teammates voted him as one of four captains for the 2025 season. When Simpson steps onto the field against Florida State next Saturday, he'll have a "C" on his chest.

Unlike during the Saban era, Kalen DeBoer makes team captain announcements before the season starts. Saban always held the vote for permanent team captains after the season. Just like all those who came before him, Simpson's handprint will be on the pavement at Denny Chimes following the season.

Joining Simpson as team captains are C Parker Brailsford, LB Deontae Lawson, and DT Tim Keenan III. For Lawson, this will be the second year in a row he has been named a captain. He and Keenan are two of the most seasoned Alabama players, entering their fifth seasons in Tuscaloosa. Brailsford is entering his second, but his fourth overall in college football after transferring from Washington to join DeBoer.

Lawson and Keenan were two of the three players who joined DeBoer for SEC Media Days last month. Kadyn Proctor also attended, and is perhaps the most surprising omission with Brailsford getting the nod over him.

Alabama teammates, coaches have full faith in Ty Simpson

Regardless of what some choose to believe, it's quite obvious that this coaching staff and locker room are fully bought in and behind Simpson as the team's starting QB and leader. Simpson has stepped into the leadership role since the spring. This is his team. He knows it, the coaches know it, and his teammates do, too.

Per Charlie Potter, this is the 7th consecutive season that Alabama's starting QB is also a team captain, something that was often not a given in the past.

2025: Ty Simpson
2024: Jalen Milroe
2023: Jalen Milroe
2022: Bryce Young
2021: Bryce Young
2020: Mac Jones
2019: Tua Tagovailoa

Alabama's leaders in the DeBoer era will continue to be clearly defined in the preseason. The "C" being stitched onto the uniforms is a big change, but it's certainly an honor for those who get to wear it.