As of now, Ty Simpson remains the frontrunner in Alabama’s quarterback race heading into the 2025 college football season. With Jalen Milroe having moved on to the NFL and a new coaching staff led by Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb settling in, the Crimson Tide quarterback room has taken on a fresh shape—but Simpson has emerged as the most consistent and experienced presence among the contenders. After spending the past few years developing behind Milroe and other quarterbacks, Simpson’s maturity, familiarity with the program, and steady improvement have positioned him to take the reins. His decision to stay in Tuscaloosa and compete, rather than transferring out, is reflective of his patience and belief in his ability to lead Alabama’s offense.
Simpson’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. A former five-star recruit out of Martin, Tennessee, he arrived with considerable hype but found himself waiting for an opportunity. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he saw only limited action, often playing second or third fiddle. But through it all, Simpson never wavered. That willingness to stick with the process endeared him to teammates and coaches alike, and his growth behind the scenes earned him a renewed chance in 2025. With a coaching staff that values football IQ, pocket awareness, and efficient execution, Simpson’s style of play is well-suited to the DeBoer/Grubb offensive system. Grubb, who came with DeBoer from Washington, has emphasized ball security and poise in the pocket—qualities Simpson began to exhibit more prominently during spring camp.
During Alabama’s spring practices and culminating A-Day game, Simpson displayed strong decision-making, a confident command of the huddle, and an improved sense of timing with his receivers. Perhaps most notably, he avoided turnovers during live sessions, something the coaching staff repeatedly praised. That ball control, coupled with a steady demeanor, has kept him atop the quarterback competition despite the presence of two highly talented challengers: Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.
Mack, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Washington, came to Alabama with prior knowledge of Grubb’s offensive terminology and philosophy. That gave him an early edge in understanding the playbook, but Simpson’s on-field leadership and efficiency during spring allowed him to retain the top spot. Mack is often regarded as the better raw passer—he has a powerful arm, good touch on intermediate routes, and the ability to make off-platform throws—but Simpson has been more consistent. Mack still has room to grow in terms of reading SEC defenses and responding to pressure. The learning curve, though manageable, still exists, and Simpson’s extra years within the SEC gauntlet could prove to be a decisive advantage if Alabama hopes to hit the ground running this fall.
Keelon Russell, the true freshman and five-star phenom, has been electric in flashes. His athleticism, downfield vision, and improvisational instincts make him one of the most exciting young talents in the country. But as with most freshmen, there are gaps in his game that need polish—his mechanics are still raw, and while he has shown elite potential in practice, his decision-making remains inconsistent. For now, the coaching staff seems content to let Russell develop at a healthy pace, possibly preserving a redshirt season unless he forces their hand with an exceptional fall camp.
Simpson, meanwhile, has embraced the role of leader. He’s the first to arrive and the last to leave, and his rapport with receivers has steadily grown. In DeBoer’s offense—which thrives on precision, tempo, and quarterback trust—Simpson’s willingness to play within structure rather than force heroics could be the deciding factor. His mechanics have been sharpened under Grubb’s guidance, and he’s done well to absorb the language and pace of the new scheme. It’s clear the coaches feel comfortable handing him the keys—at least for now.
That said, the race is not over. Simpson’s lead is solid, but not insurmountable. The coaching staff continues to emphasize that all three quarterbacks will have the opportunity to compete throughout summer workouts and into fall camp. What separates Simpson currently is consistency. Coaches have noted that while Mack and Russell both bring elite traits to the table, neither has put together the same string of error-free, well-managed practices that Simpson has. It’s a testament to how seriously he has approached the offseason.
For Simpson, this is more than just a chance to start. It’s an opportunity to reshape the narrative around his college career. Many in the fanbase once doubted if he would ever start at Alabama, let alone be the guy to lead the Crimson Tide back to championship contention. But that’s exactly where the team now stands—with Simpson leading the pack and Alabama once again fielding a defense and offensive line capable of competing with the best in the SEC. The wide receiver corps is deep and experienced, featuring explosive playmakers who can stretch the field and win contested catches. If Simpson can stay efficient and play clean football, Alabama has the tools to be one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Still, one misstep could reopen the door for Mack or even Russell. Alabama fans remember how quickly the quarterback room can shift—just last year, Milroe went from benched to hero in a matter of weeks. That precedent means Simpson must be sharp every day. There is no comfort zone in Tuscaloosa. The expectations are too high, the competition too fierce. Mack will continue to push him, and Russell will likely shine brighter with every rep he gets. The quarterback race may not be a day-to-day battle, but it is week-to-week, and the gap between first and second is not as wide as it once seemed.
Simpson’s experience gives him an edge in situational football—third-down reads, red zone execution, audibles at the line—but Mack is not far behind. If Mack can eliminate the occasional forced throw and clean up timing with his receivers, he could take a leap forward in fall camp. Similarly, if Russell accelerates his understanding of the playbook and begins delivering consistent results in scrimmages, the staff may find it harder to justify keeping him off the field.
This summer will be critical for all three. Player-led workouts, 7-on-7 drills, and leadership meetings will determine who teammates gravitate toward. Chemistry matters. Trust matters. And Simpson, having already earned the respect of his locker room, will have to continue proving why he deserves to be QB1. Every throw in August, every decision in scrimmages, will be watched closely—not just by the coaches, but by the team leaders, boosters, and an entire fanbase hungry to return to national title contention.
There’s also a psychological aspect to the race. Simpson has been the underdog before, and that mental toughness has served him well. The ability to block out noise, tune into coaching, and ignore the pressure of being the guy is something not every quarterback possesses. His even-keeled approach may not be flashy, but it’s what this coaching staff needs in a transitional year. With Alabama breaking in new systems, having a quarterback who won’t panic under pressure is invaluable.
In conclusion, yes—Ty Simpson is still leading Alabama’s quarterback race heading into the 2025 season. He’s earned that position through patience, performance, and persistence. But the story isn’t finished. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will continue to chase him, and the real decision may not come until late August. For now, though, Simpson is the man to beat, and he has every intention of making the most of it. Alabama’s quarterback battle remains one of the most intriguing in college football, not because of drama, but because of the sheer quality of competition. Whoever emerges from it will have earned every snap.
