According to ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback, Greg McElroy, Ty Simpson has a firm grasp on the starting quarterback position at this point in spring practice.
“Right now, based on my understanding of what’s going on in Tuscaloosa, is that Ty has had a solid camp, " McElroy said. ”He is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far that the other two, between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, are those are the ones that are kind of competing for that No. 2 spot right now.”
Simpson is the veteran of this group having been with the Tide since 2022. His age and experience are likely contributing to his readiness on the field.
Don’t expect Alabama coaches to confirm anything regarding the quarterback competition. With only three quarterbacks on scholarship and the transfer portal opening after spring practices, the coaches are unlikely to name a starter at this time, as doing so could risk losing a player to the transfer portal.
Alabama wide receiver, Germie Bernard, stated he saw a change in Simpson at the start of spring practices.
“I think Ty’s mindset has changed a lot,” Bernard said. “I wouldn’t say a lot because Ty has had a great mindset, and I think that he’s just really growing. He’s growing into more of a leader. He’s stepping up, and he knows what it takes. He played behind a pretty good QB. I think that he has what it takes to get the job done.”
Outside linebacker Qua Russaw mentioned that Simpson was chosen by his teammates to be part of the Tide's leadership committee this spring. This selection reflects the respect his teammates have for him and indicates that they already see him as a leader.
Simpson, much like freshman Keelon Russell, was also a five-star prospect when he joined Alabama. He was ranked as the 26th player in the nation by several recruiting services coming out of high school, which led to high expectations for him to make a significant contribution at Alabama.
Simpson possesses all the tools to be an effective starter in the SEC. He has very good arm strength for making the throws needed in a Grubb/DeBoer offense. He has above-average scrambling ability and can run when he needs to. He's been known as a pocket passer who is very accurate and excels when a play breaks down, making something happen.
While not as fast as Jalen Milroe, he has good speed and rushed for over 1,500 yards in high school with 15 rushing TDs. He's a dual threat with excellent accuracy on his passes. This will force opposing defenses to respect both the pass and the run against Alabama in 2025.
While this battle will continue into fall camp, look for Simpson to be the starter in the opening game on August 30, 2025 with the Florida State Seminoles.
Simpson's performance in that game will go a long way in determining if that battle for the starter is over.