AJ McCarron, the former Alabama legend and national championship-winning quarterback, didn’t mince words when asked about the state of Alabama’s quarterback situation. According to McCarron, it’s Ty Simpson’s job to lose—and that message sent a ripple through Tuscaloosa and the college football world alike. McCarron, who knows the pressures and standards of leading the Crimson Tide better than most, made a bold yet calculated assertion that echoes what many inside the program have felt brewing for months: Ty Simpson is no longer just in the race—he’s pulling away from the field.
Simpson’s rise hasn’t been accidental. From the moment he stepped foot on campus, expectations were high for the former five-star recruit. The son of a respected coach, Simpson brought with him not only a strong arm and impressive athleticism but also a football IQ that separated him from the average young quarterback. While Jalen Milroe captivated fans with his explosive plays and dual-threat abilities last season, it’s Simpson’s consistency, command of the offense, and natural leadership that have earned him increasing trust from coaches, teammates, and now, program legends like McCarron.
Spring practices, closed-door team meetings, and offseason workouts have all pointed to the same conclusion: Ty Simpson has taken ownership of the team in a way that suggests he’s ready for the next step. His decision-making has sharpened, his footwork has become cleaner, and his rapport with wide receivers has grown noticeably. Coaches have lauded his commitment to preparation, his humility, and his willingness to learn from the past. Those traits are the very essence of what Alabama expects from its quarterbacks—especially in a post-Saban era where standards remain sky-high under new leadership.
McCarron’s comments were not just empty praise. They came from a place of insight and credibility. He’s been in Simpson’s shoes, leading the Tide through pressure-packed seasons with national championship hopes hanging in the balance. For him to openly say it’s Simpson’s job to lose is to say the baton is already halfway passed. That means something in Tuscaloosa, where past greatness isn’t just celebrated—it’s the expectation.
There’s no denying that Alabama is in a transition period, and stability at quarterback is the cornerstone of any successful rebuild. Simpson appears to be offering exactly that. His calm demeanor in the pocket, coupled with his growing command of the offensive scheme, gives Alabama a reliable centerpiece around which to build. Gone are the days of simply relying on athletic improvisation—Simpson brings structure, poise, and execution back to the quarterback position. That’s exactly what McCarron did during his title runs, and it’s likely what he sees reflected in Simpson.
Competition in Alabama’s quarterback room remains fierce, with Milroe still in the fold and other younger talents vying for snaps. But what separates Simpson at this juncture is momentum and belief. Teammates have reportedly responded well to his leadership style, and the coaching staff has put more on his plate during practices to prepare him for the grind of SEC football. Every day he handles those added responsibilities is another vote of confidence in his favor.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in college football. Injuries, setbacks, or sudden breakthroughs from other players can always shift the balance. But right now, all signs point to Simpson being in the driver’s seat. And when someone like AJ McCarron confirms that perspective, it adds another layer of validation. McCarron knows what it means to win in Alabama. He knows the culture. He knows the pressure. If he says Simpson is the guy, it carries real weight.
The timing of McCarron’s statement is also significant. As Alabama prepares for fall camp, naming a definitive leader in the quarterback race gives the program a sense of direction. With a demanding schedule looming, the importance of having a clear QB1 cannot be overstated. Simpson being the frontrunner gives Alabama the opportunity to build offensive cohesion early, rather than dragging out uncertainty into the season.
Another factor working in Simpson’s favor is his maturity. He’s not someone chasing spotlight or headlines—he’s quietly been grinding, learning from his mistakes, and gradually earning respect. That’s a trait coaches love. He doesn’t get rattled easily, and his football background, growing up as a coach’s son, gives him a mental edge that often separates good quarterbacks from great ones. Simpson’s ability to command the huddle, process reads quickly, and deliver the ball on time makes him a natural fit for the pro-style offense Alabama wants to execute.
McCarron emphasized that point when discussing Simpson’s trajectory. He sees a player who doesn’t just have talent, but who also understands how to win at the highest level. There’s a difference between playing quarterback and leading a team—and McCarron believes Simpson has already made that leap.
For fans, McCarron’s endorsement should be taken as more than hype. It’s a statement of belief from someone who helped build the standard Alabama still chases. And while the quarterback room will remain competitive, the public and internal indicators are aligning behind Ty Simpson.
As the season approaches, the focus will shift to execution, chemistry, and results. Simpson will need to prove McCarron right on the field, week after week, drive after drive. But if his recent development is any indication, the Crimson Tide could be witnessing the emergence of their next great field general. One with the tools, the temperament, and now, the torch handed to him by a former champion.
There’s no substitute for leadership in Tuscaloosa. The city has seen its fair share of stars come and go, but true quarterbacks—the ones who rise above the noise, who carry the team through adversity, who elevate everyone around them—are rare. McCarron was one of those. Simpson, by all accounts, is trending in the same direction. His time is now.
What makes Simpson’s journey even more compelling is that he wasn’t handed anything. He waited. He developed. He competed. In an era of transfers and instant gratification, his patience is a testament to his character and long-term vision. Alabama fans appreciate that. Coaches reward that. And now, it’s paying off in full.
There’s still plenty to prove. The SEC isn’t forgiving, and the expectations in Tuscaloosa are as high as ever. But with Ty Simpson leading the way, bolstered by the belief of teammates, coaches, and legends like AJ McCarron, Alabama might have found its next leader in the huddle—one who’s ready not just to play, but to win, and win big. The message has been sent. The job is Ty Simpson’s to lose. Now, all eyes will be on him to see what he does with it.
