Greg McElroy identifies the “guy to beat” in Alabama’s fierce quarterback competition.

The quarterback battle at Alabama has always been a spectacle of national intrigue, but heading into the 2025 season, it’s reached a whole new level. The competition is fierce, expectations are sky-high, and one former Crimson Tide quarterback has stepped forward with his own insight. Greg McElroy, who led Alabama to a national title in 2009 and now serves as a respected ESPN analyst, recently weighed in on the heated quarterback race. McElroy has officially named his “guy to beat” in the Tide’s ongoing quarterback competition, and his assessment is generating buzz across the college football world.

For months, fans, analysts, and insiders have speculated over who would take the reins of the Alabama offense following a season of transition and questions surrounding consistency and leadership. With multiple highly touted quarterbacks on the roster — each bringing their own skill set, resume, and potential — the decision has not been easy for head coach Kalen DeBoer and his offensive staff. Yet McElroy believes one name has separated himself from the rest: Ty Simpson.

McElroy’s declaration that Simpson is “the guy to beat” carries significant weight. As someone who understands the Alabama system from the inside out, McElroy isn’t just making an off-the-cuff prediction. He’s studied the quarterbacks, followed the program closely, and understands the demands that come with being the starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa. In his view, Simpson has demonstrated the traits necessary to take over the offense and lead the Tide back to championship contention.

According to McElroy, Simpson has shown the most growth since the conclusion of the 2024 season. Whether it’s his command of the playbook, his presence in the locker room, or his improved decision-making during spring practices, Simpson has reportedly taken major strides that have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. He’s earning trust, and in a program where trust between quarterback and coaching staff is paramount, that’s a big deal.

Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, came to Alabama as a highly rated prospect with a big arm and athleticism to match. However, his development has been a slow burn, overshadowed at times by flashier competitors or more experienced players on the depth chart. But while others may have risen and fallen with the tide, Simpson remained steady, focusing on getting better each day and putting himself in position for this very moment. Now, with the spotlight squarely on him, he’s answering the call.

What sets Simpson apart, according to McElroy, is not just his physical tools — though those are impressive — but his understanding of what it means to be the quarterback at Alabama. It’s about poise under pressure, attention to detail, and the ability to elevate the play of everyone around him. Simpson has reportedly grown into that mold, embracing the leadership responsibilities and exuding confidence that is resonating throughout the locker room.

One of the most compelling signs of Simpson’s emergence as a frontrunner has been the feedback from his teammates. Wide receivers, offensive linemen, and even defensive players have praised his command during scrimmages and practice reps. Reports out of spring camp suggest that he’s been the most consistent performer, avoiding turnovers while delivering accurate throws and moving the offense with rhythm. In a battle this close, consistency might be the difference-maker.

Greg McElroy also pointed out that Simpson’s familiarity with the system under new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan may be a key advantage. While some quarterbacks are still adjusting to the changes brought in by the new staff, Simpson has quickly grasped the terminology and structure of the offense. His ability to process information pre-snap, read defenses, and adjust accordingly has set him apart.

That’s not to say the battle is over. Jalen Milroe, the electrifying dual-threat quarterback who started games in 2023 and 2024, remains a serious contender. Milroe has game experience, big-play capability, and a level of athleticism that few in the country can match. He’s also a respected leader in the locker room and has the type of upside that could make Alabama’s offense explosive when operating at full tilt.

Then there’s Dylan Lonergan, a younger but incredibly promising quarterback who has drawn praise for his arm strength and composure beyond his years. While he may be a year away from truly pushing for the top spot, Lonergan is certainly part of the long-term equation and continues to make things interesting during practices. Add to the mix Julian Sayin, one of the most highly touted freshman quarterbacks in recent memory, and Alabama has a depth chart that is both a blessing and a challenge.

Yet despite the depth and talent, McElroy insists that Simpson is the one who has built the most compelling case so far. That doesn’t mean he’s been crowned the starter — Alabama still has the summer and fall camp ahead, and Coach DeBoer has made it clear that nothing is guaranteed. But the fact that someone like McElroy, with his ties to the program and understanding of quarterback play, sees Simpson as the guy to beat is telling.

Simpson’s journey to this point hasn’t been flashy. He’s waited, watched, and worked. There were moments when it would’ve been easy to transfer, to look for opportunities elsewhere in an era where patience is rare. But Simpson stayed the course, trusting that his time would come if he kept improving. That loyalty, combined with his current performance, is now being rewarded with legitimate consideration for the most coveted role in college football.

What this means for Alabama’s season is still unfolding. The Crimson Tide are reloading, not rebuilding, and the quarterback decision will shape how the offense looks and functions in 2025. Simpson may not bring the same style as Milroe or the same raw talent as Sayin, but what he offers is control, balance, and the ability to run the offense the way the coaching staff envisions it. If he does win the job, Alabama will likely operate a more pro-style, balanced attack with an emphasis on efficiency, accuracy, and ball control.

The other candidates will continue to push, and that competition is part of what makes Alabama such a perennial powerhouse. Steel sharpens steel, and whoever emerges from this battle will have earned it. But as of now, according to Greg McElroy, the one with the edge — the one everyone else is chasing — is Ty Simpson.

For Alabama fans, that brings a mix of excitement and curiosity. Simpson has long been viewed as a future star, and if McElroy’s prediction holds true, that future may be now. The next few months will be critical as the quarterbacks battle through summer workouts and fall camp. Chemistry with receivers, command of the offense, and composure in pressure situations will all factor into the final decision.

Until then, the speculation will continue. The media will analyze every throw, every rep, and every hint dropped by coaches. But McElroy’s voice stands out in the noise. He’s been there. He knows what it takes. And in his eyes, Ty Simpson is the guy to beat.

It remains to be seen whether that prediction will come to fruition, but for now, Simpson has the momentum — and with it, the attention of the college football world.