When Paul Finebaum speaks, the college football world listens. Known for his sharp insight, unapologetic commentary, and decades of experience covering the SEC, Finebaum’s opinions often shape the national conversation. So when the longtime ESPN analyst addressed Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s potential to lead the Crimson Tide back to the pinnacle of college football, fans, media, and insiders took notice. With Alabama entering a new chapter under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Finebaum’s thoughts on Simpson are more relevant than ever.
The quarterback position has always been crucial in determining the fate of Alabama football. From legends like AJ McCarron and Tua Tagovailoa to more recent standouts like Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide’s championship hopes have often been tightly linked to quarterback play. Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit out of Tennessee, now finds himself in the spotlight, facing pressure, expectations, and the weight of a dynasty looking to reclaim its throne.
Finebaum didn’t mince words when asked whether Simpson can be the quarterback to guide Alabama to another national title. “Ty Simpson has all the tools,” he said during a recent appearance on his radio show. “He’s got the arm, the poise, and the upside. But this isn’t just about talent — it’s about whether he can be the leader Alabama needs at the most crucial time in its modern history.”
That crucial time, of course, is post-Nick Saban. The legendary head coach retired after the 2024 season, ending an unparalleled era that saw Alabama dominate the sport with six national championships and countless playoff appearances. Now under Kalen DeBoer, the Tide face the challenge of maintaining that same elite standard in an ever-evolving college football landscape. Simpson’s development and performance will undoubtedly serve as one of the main measuring sticks in DeBoer’s early tenure.
Finebaum acknowledged the magnitude of what Simpson is being asked to do. “Following Bryce Young was one thing,” he said. “Following Nick Saban is another. Simpson doesn’t just have to win games — he has to be the stabilizing force in a locker room and a program still redefining its identity. That’s a huge ask.”
There’s no denying Simpson’s talent. At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, he combines mobility with a live arm and natural instincts. He’s spent the last two seasons developing behind Jalen Milroe, learning the system and waiting for his opportunity. With Milroe’s departure, Simpson is the presumptive starter heading into 2025, and the expectations are immense. Alabama fans aren’t just hoping for a competitive season — they’re expecting a return to the College Football Playoff, a push for the SEC crown, and a real shot at the national championship.
Finebaum believes that Simpson’s success will depend on more than just his individual ability. “Look, no quarterback wins by himself,” he said. “Simpson needs an offensive line that protects him, receivers who can separate, and a coaching staff that puts him in the right positions. It’s going to be a collective effort. But there’s no question he’s got the talent to be special.”
That’s high praise coming from Finebaum, who has never been afraid to criticize Alabama quarterbacks in the past. He was one of the earliest skeptics of Jalen Hurts at Alabama, and he’s been vocal about what it takes to win at the highest level in Tuscaloosa. For him to praise Simpson’s potential speaks volumes about how the redshirt sophomore is viewed by those around the sport.
Still, questions remain. Simpson’s limited game action so far has offered only glimpses of his potential. He’s shown flashes of brilliance — touch on deep balls, command of the offense, composure under pressure — but consistency will be key. College football is unforgiving, and Alabama’s schedule offers no soft landings. With tough SEC opponents, a high-profile non-conference matchup, and the always-lofty internal expectations, Simpson will be tested early and often.
Finebaum is particularly interested in how Simpson responds to adversity. “You learn the most about a quarterback when things don’t go according to plan,” he said. “Can he shake off a bad interception? Can he rally the team when they’re trailing in the fourth quarter? That’s what separates the good from the great.”
Alabama fans hope Simpson falls into the latter category. His teammates have expressed confidence in him throughout spring practices and summer workouts. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, a trusted lieutenant of DeBoer’s, has reportedly been impressed by Simpson’s leadership and progress. Reports out of Tuscaloosa suggest that Simpson has taken command of the locker room, building chemistry with his receivers and emerging as a vocal presence during team activities.
Finebaum pointed to those intangible qualities as perhaps the most important part of the equation. “You can coach technique, you can design great plays, but you can’t teach presence. You either have it or you don’t. And Ty seems to be earning the trust of his teammates, which says a lot.”
That trust will be essential if Alabama is going to reach the heights it once did under Saban. The standard in Tuscaloosa remains sky-high, and anything less than a national championship is often seen as falling short. That might seem unfair, especially to a young quarterback stepping into such a pressure-cooker, but it’s the reality of playing for Alabama.
Simpson, to his credit, has never shied away from those expectations. He chose Alabama knowing full well what it meant. He embraced the challenge of competing against top-tier talent every day in practice, and he’s shown patience, poise, and professionalism in waiting for his opportunity.
Now, that opportunity has arrived — and Finebaum believes the college football world is about to see what Ty Simpson is truly made of. “This is a defining moment, not just for Ty, but for Alabama as a whole,” Finebaum concluded. “The post-Saban era needs a face. It needs a tone-setter. Simpson could be that guy. And if he is, Alabama might not be as far from a national title as some people think.”
For Crimson Tide fans, that’s both a hopeful and daunting thought. The SEC is more competitive than ever, with Georgia, Texas, and LSU all pushing for dominance. The College Football Playoff is expanding, meaning more games, more pressure, and more chances for chaos. But Alabama’s tradition is built on rising to meet those challenges. And in Ty Simpson, the Tide may have found the leader capable of carrying that tradition forward.
In the months to come, all eyes will be on Simpson — every snap, every throw, every press conference. Paul Finebaum’s take has only added fuel to the fire, raising the stakes even higher. Whether Simpson can live up to that billing remains to be seen, but the potential is undeniable. And in a sport that thrives on stars and storylines, Simpson’s rise could be one of the most compelling in recent memory.
