Ty Simpson may be the leader in the clubhouse for the Alabama starting QB job in 2025, but that doesn't mean he's taking anything for granted. The rising redshirt junior is putting in the work this summer to strengthen his lead in the QB competition and prove to head coach Kalen DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb that he's the right man for the job.
Simpson left spring practice as the presumed starter, though that job has not officially been earned yet. It's a long summer and then fall camp, and anything can still happen as both Austin Mack and freshman phenom Keelon Russell push Simpson for the spot.
Simpson will have a nice opportunity for further development later this summer as he attends the prestigious Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana at the end of this month.
Notable QBs attending the 2025 Manning Passing Academy🎯https://t.co/iMKG06KSsF pic.twitter.com/VIF9rUWaEP
— On3 (@On3sports) June 6, 2025
Some of the best quarterbacks in the country will be in attendance for the 29th annual Manning Passing Academy, which will run from June 26-29 at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Simpson will work alongside elite talents like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, and others. Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning will be there working with all the QBs in attendance as well. There isn't a family that understands the quarterback position better than the Mannings, and this is a great opportunity for Simpson to learn and grow.
Simpson's development is vital for Alabama' success in 2025
It has been said by many, but it still rings true. How far the Crimson Tide can go in 2025 will rely heavily on well Simpson - or one of the other two quarterbacks - plays. Alabama has a loaded depth chart everywhere else. If they get good quarterback play, this should be a College Football Playoff team. If one of the quarterbacks steps up into elite territory, this is the best team in the country.
Working in Simpson's favor will be a much-improved WR room. Alabama brought back its two leading receivers from a year ago - Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard - but the most impressive part of the room is its depth. With Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Horton joining the fray, the Tide's trio of starting WRs stacks up with anyone in the country.
Behind those three are impressive talents such as Jalen Hale, Rico Scott, Lotzeir Brooks, Cole Adams, and Derek Meadows. With talented running backs in tow, there's plenty of talent at the skill positions - as well as a veteran offensive line - to make things easier for a first-time starting quarterback.