As the countdown to the 2025 college football season ticks closer to kickoff, the energy in Tuscaloosa is beginning to build, and all eyes are shifting toward the man expected to lead the Crimson Tide into a new chapter — Ty Simpson. For Alabama fans, this season carries a different kind of anticipation. The past few years have seen Jalen Milroe grow from a promising athlete into one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country before ultimately leaving for the NFL. His departure leaves behind both a void and an opportunity, and the prevailing belief is that Simpson, the former five-star recruit who has patiently waited his turn, is ready to seize it.
Simpson’s story is one of preparation meeting opportunity. Arriving at Alabama with the weight of high expectations, he was hailed as a polished passer with elite arm talent and mobility. He had the tools to start early, but the program’s depth at quarterback, coupled with Milroe’s rise, meant his journey would be one of patience. In an era when many quarterbacks transfer at the first sign of a depth chart battle, Simpson chose to stay. That decision speaks volumes about his commitment to the team, trust in the coaching staff, and belief in his own ability to develop into the Tide’s QB1 when the time was right. Now, that time has come.
The situation at Alabama in 2025 is markedly different from years past. While the Crimson Tide still boast a stacked roster filled with NFL-caliber talent, the quarterback position brings an element of the unknown. With just over a month before the first game, Simpson is taking the majority of the first-team reps in practice, building chemistry with his receivers, and refining his command of the offense. This is his moment to prove that the patience he showed will translate into performance.
Alabama’s offense has undergone subtle changes over the years, and this season could see even more tweaks to cater to Simpson’s skill set. While Milroe was known for his explosive running ability and big-play scrambling, Simpson offers a different style. His mechanics are crisp, his decision-making is deliberate, and his deep-ball accuracy is one of his standout traits. Those who have watched him in practice say his ability to read defenses has grown tremendously since his arrival, a sign that his football IQ could be one of Alabama’s greatest assets this fall.
Still, there are challenges that come with stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for one of college football’s most storied programs. Every throw will be dissected, every decision analyzed, and every win or loss placed on his shoulders. That pressure can be crushing, but Simpson appears unfazed. Teammates have described him as calm, focused, and relentless in his preparation. Those qualities will be tested immediately, as Alabama’s early-season schedule features opponents capable of exposing weaknesses.
The bond between a quarterback and his offensive line will be critical in determining how smoothly this transition goes. Simpson inherits a line that returns several starters from last year, giving him a blend of protection and leadership in the trenches. That stability will be crucial as he navigates the early weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Alabama’s receiving corps is filled with a mix of proven playmakers and young talent eager to break out. If Simpson can build a strong rapport with his pass-catchers, the Tide’s offense could hum with precision.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Simpson’s rise is how he fits into Alabama’s broader identity. Under Nick Saban, the program has evolved from a run-heavy, defense-first approach into a balanced attack capable of overwhelming opponents through the air. Simpson’s arm talent aligns with this modern Alabama philosophy, and if he can maintain efficiency while pushing the ball downfield, the Tide’s offense could be as dangerous as any in the country. The key will be avoiding turnovers, sustaining drives, and capitalizing in the red zone — areas where championship-caliber teams separate themselves from the rest.
The defense, as always, will play a role in easing the transition. Alabama enters 2025 with a strong front seven and a secondary loaded with speed and ball skills. This should give Simpson the breathing room to grow into the role without having to put up video-game numbers every week. However, in the high-stakes world of SEC football, close games are inevitable, and the quarterback’s ability to perform in clutch moments often defines a season. Simpson’s composure in those situations will be one of the most closely watched storylines.
For the fans, this moment represents both excitement and uncertainty. Alabama supporters are used to seeing elite quarterbacks — from Tua Tagovailoa to Bryce Young to Jalen Milroe — rise to the occasion. Simpson now carries that torch. The expectations are sky-high, but so too is the belief that he has the skill and mindset to lead Alabama to another championship run. His years in the program have given him an intimate understanding of the system, the culture, and the level of excellence demanded. That knowledge could give him an edge over less experienced quarterbacks making their debuts elsewhere.
Simpson’s leadership will extend beyond the field. As the quarterback, he is naturally a focal point in the locker room, but leadership is earned, not given. Those close to the program say he has already taken steps to establish himself as a vocal presence in meetings, while also putting in the work to connect with teammates off the field. The ability to inspire and unite a team can be just as important as physical talent when navigating the grind of a college football season.
Looking ahead, the early portion of Alabama’s schedule will be a proving ground. The first month features matchups that should allow Simpson to settle in, but the intensity will ramp up quickly as conference play begins. SEC defenses are notorious for their speed, complexity, and ability to pressure quarterbacks. How Simpson handles blitzes, disguised coverages, and tight throwing windows will determine how quickly he adapts to life as a starter.
If all goes according to plan, this could be the start of a defining era for both Simpson and Alabama. A strong debut season could catapult him into the conversation as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and position the Crimson Tide as a serious contender for the College Football Playoff. Conversely, struggles could force adjustments and test the program’s depth at the position. That’s the nature of college football — nothing is guaranteed, and every Saturday is a test.
For Simpson personally, the 2025 season is more than just about replacing Milroe. It’s about proving to himself and the football world that he can live up to the lofty expectations that came with his five-star label. It’s about showing that patience and persistence pay off, even in an age where the transfer portal offers quick exits. It’s about carving out his own place in Alabama’s quarterback lineage and, perhaps, setting the stage for an NFL future of his own.
As fall camp rolls on, the reports from Tuscaloosa have been promising. Coaches are encouraged by his command of the offense, his decision-making in scrimmages, and his ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. Fans who have seen glimpses of him in spring games note his smooth delivery, confident footwork, and knack for placing the ball where only his receiver can get it. Those are the kinds of traits that win games in the SEC, where margins are slim and execution is everything.
By the time the Crimson Tide take the field for the season opener, the anticipation around Simpson will have reached a fever pitch. The journey from heralded high school recruit to Alabama’s starting quarterback has been years in the making, and now the stage is set. The lights will be bright, the pressure immense, and the stakes sky-high — but those who know Ty Simpson believe he’s ready.
In just a matter of weeks, the speculation will end, and the reality of the 2025 season will begin. For Alabama, it’s a chance to write another chapter in its storied history. For Simpson, it’s the beginning of a new era under center, one defined not by what he has waited for, but by what he is about to do. And if he rises to the occasion, the Crimson Tide faithful may look back on this season as the year their patience was rewarded with a leader who not only embraced the challenge but thrived in it.
