When Kalen DeBoer took over as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the most pressing questions facing the program was who would be the next quarterback to lead the storied program. With the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL and a crowded quarterback room still in place, the battle for QB1 quickly became the most talked-about storyline in Tuscaloosa. But among the talented arms vying for the job, one name keeps surfacing from DeBoer’s own mouth: Ty Simpson.
Simpson, the redshirt sophomore who has waited patiently for his moment, has quietly positioned himself as a legitimate candidate to take the reins in 2025. And DeBoer, known for his offensive ingenuity and eye for quarterback talent, sees something special in the former five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee.
“I think Ty’s got the complete package,” DeBoer said during spring practice availability. “He’s competitive, he’s smart, he’s athletic, and most importantly, he’s grown. He’s matured as a leader. That’s what you need at this level.”
DeBoer, who helped groom Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and first-round draft pick at Washington, is no stranger to maximizing quarterback potential. His system relies on quick decision-making, poise under pressure, and the ability to command a locker room. And while Simpson hasn’t yet started a full season, the traits DeBoer looks for in a starting quarterback are ones he believes Simpson naturally possesses.
“He’s been here, he’s seen it, and he’s worked for it,” DeBoer continued. “There’s no shortcut to being ‘the guy’ at Alabama. Ty has embraced that.”
Simpson arrived at Alabama in 2022 as one of the top quarterback recruits in the country. With NFL pedigree — his father, Jason Simpson, is a college head coach — Ty entered college with a high football IQ and a deep understanding of the game. Still, he found himself behind Bryce Young, and then Jalen Milroe, both of whom brought unique skill sets and moments of brilliance to the Tide offense. Simpson waited. He learned. He developed.
Now, with a new coaching staff and a fresh offensive system being installed, the opportunity is more open than ever. Simpson’s familiarity with the program, combined with a clean slate under DeBoer, has created what many insiders describe as his “make-or-break moment.”
Spring practice has offered Simpson the chance to show exactly how much he’s progressed — and DeBoer has taken note. From footwork to accuracy, from command in the huddle to understanding situational football, Simpson has made steady strides. And perhaps most importantly, he’s winning over the trust of his new head coach.
“Ty throws a very catchable ball,” DeBoer said. “He can hit all the throws in our system — the deep ball, the out routes, the intermediate stuff. He understands timing. He’s getting the ball out quicker, which is crucial in the scheme we run. And he’s athletic enough to move the pocket and extend plays when needed.”
While Simpson has shown flashes in limited game action — including meaningful snaps in 2023 — DeBoer emphasized that this isn’t a competition based solely on past performance. It’s about who gives Alabama the best chance to win moving forward. And Simpson’s football IQ and feel for the game may give him an edge in a tight quarterback competition.
“He sees the field well. That’s not something you can always teach,” DeBoer said. “Some quarterbacks just have a feel — knowing when to take risks, when to check down, when to move the chains. I think Ty’s starting to trust that part of his game.”
Behind the scenes, Simpson has been working overtime to refine his mechanics and develop chemistry with Alabama’s young receiving corps. He’s been one of the first to arrive and last to leave the practice facility, according to staff members. And in team meetings, he’s taken a more vocal leadership role — something that didn’t come naturally to him early in his career.
“He’s more confident in his voice,” DeBoer shared. “You can tell the team respects him. That’s big. As a quarterback, you’ve got to be the guy everyone believes in, even when things aren’t going perfectly.”
Alabama fans, spoiled by a decade-plus of elite quarterback play under Nick Saban, are eager — and anxious — to see who steps into the spotlight next. DeBoer knows that pressure. He knows what it means to name a starting quarterback at Alabama. And while he’s been careful not to crown anyone just yet, his continued praise of Simpson is telling.
“I think Ty’s earned the right to be in the thick of this,” DeBoer said. “This competition isn’t about hype or recruiting rankings. It’s about production. It’s about trust. And right now, Ty is doing everything we ask of him.”
That includes adapting to DeBoer’s playbook, which is far more aggressive through the air than what Alabama fans saw under Saban’s final seasons. Designed to stretch the field and put pressure on opposing secondaries, DeBoer’s offense is built for a quarterback who can process quickly and deliver with confidence. Simpson, at least so far, appears to fit that mold.
Still, he’ll have to beat out other contenders, including Dylan Lonergan and true freshman Keelon Russell, both of whom have shown flashes in camp. But if DeBoer’s remarks are any indication, Simpson currently holds a slight edge thanks to his maturity and readiness.
“Competition brings out the best in everyone,” DeBoer said. “And Ty hasn’t flinched. That’s what you want to see.”
Simpson, for his part, has taken a measured approach when speaking to media. He’s praised his teammates, credited the staff for making the transition smooth, and said all the right things about being “ready to help the team in any way possible.” But make no mistake — he wants the job.
“It’s a blessing to be here and to be in this position,” Simpson said. “I’ve been preparing for this for a long time. I’m just focused on getting better every day and doing what I can to lead this team.”
His teammates have noticed. Wide receiver Kendrick Law noted that Simpson “has taken a big step” in terms of leadership and consistency. “He’s throwing with confidence. You can tell he’s been in the system all spring. He knows where we’re supposed to be. That gives us confidence as a unit.”
As summer approaches, DeBoer will continue to evaluate his options. But momentum — and DeBoer’s own words — suggest that Simpson may be more than just a placeholder in the conversation. He might be the frontrunner.
“It’s about putting the team in the best position to win,” DeBoer said. “Ty’s doing that right now. We’ll see where it goes, but I’m excited for his future.”
The pressure at Alabama is unlike anywhere else. Every throw is scrutinized. Every drive is judged. Every quarterback is compared to legends. But DeBoer believes that Simpson, after three seasons of preparation, might finally be ready for the moment. He sees a quarterback who’s battle-tested, humble, hungry, and confident enough to lead one of the most demanding fanbases in college football.
“There’s no perfect quarterback,” DeBoer said. “But Ty’s a competitor. He’s earned our respect. And that goes a long way.”
As the Crimson Tide transition into a new era, with a new coach and a new identity, the quarterback decision will be the first major test of DeBoer’s tenure. And while no final decision has been announced, one thing is clear: Ty Simpson has put himself in prime position to become Alabama’s next QB1.
And Kalen DeBoer — a coach who knows exactly what greatness at the position looks like — wouldn’t be talking him up this much unless he truly believed it was possible.