Ty Simpson has been a name that Alabama football fans have followed closely since his arrival in Tuscaloosa. As a highly touted quarterback prospect, expectations were sky-high for the young signal-caller when he committed to the Crimson Tide. Yet, in an era where the transfer portal has become a revolving door for players seeking immediate playing time, Simpson’s decision to stay at Alabama—despite not yet securing the starting role—has raised eyebrows and earned respect. In a recent interview, he revealed the real reason he never transferred from Alabama, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the program’s future and his belief in the process under Coach Nick Saban.
Simpson’s journey at Alabama has been anything but easy. Coming in as a five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee, he was part of an elite quarterback room that included Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe, and later, Jalen Hurts (who returned briefly as a mentor). With Young winning the Heisman and leading the Tide to a national championship appearance, Simpson had to bide his time, learning from one of the best. When Young departed for the NFL, many assumed Simpson would be the next in line. However, the 2023 season saw Jalen Milroe emerge as the starter after a competitive battle. For some players, that might have been the breaking point—the moment they entered the transfer portal in search of a guaranteed starting job elsewhere. But Simpson stayed.
When asked why he never considered leaving, his answer was simple yet profound: “I came to Alabama to compete, to learn, and to be part of something bigger than myself.” He acknowledged that the transfer portal offers opportunities for players to find quicker paths to the field, but he emphasized that his growth as a player and a person was more important than immediate gratification. “Coach Saban and this program teach you how to be successful not just in football, but in life,” Simpson said. “The discipline, the work ethic, the attention to detail—those things stick with you forever. I knew that if I stayed and kept grinding, my time would come.”
Simpson’s patience and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and leadership, even in a backup role. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has spoken highly of Simpson’s football IQ and his ability to command the offense when given opportunities. “Ty is the kind of player who prepares like he’s the starter every single day,” Rees said. “That mentality is contagious, and it raises the level of everyone around him.”
Beyond the Xs and Os, Simpson’s decision to stay speaks to a larger culture within Alabama football. While other programs have struggled with roster turnover due to transfers, the Crimson Tide have maintained a core of players who buy into the long-term vision. Simpson’s commitment reinforces the idea that development under Saban is a process—one that doesn’t always follow a linear path but ultimately prepares players for success at the highest level.
There’s also the undeniable fact that Alabama remains a powerhouse with championship aspirations every year. Simpson acknowledged that competing for titles was a major factor in his decision to stay. “At the end of the day, I want to win,” he said. “And there’s no better place to do that than here.” Even as other schools might have promised him a starting job, few could offer the same combination of elite coaching, top-tier competition, and a proven track record of developing NFL talent.
Looking ahead, Simpson remains focused on the future. With Milroe entering his junior year, the quarterback competition will once again be a storyline to watch. But whether Simpson wins the job or continues in a supporting role, his attitude remains the same: “I’m here to help this team in any way I can.” His loyalty to the program has already made him a fan favorite, and his perseverance could pay off in a big way when his opportunity arrives.
In an age where college football is increasingly transactional, Ty Simpson’s story is a refreshing reminder of the value of patience, hard work, and belief in a system. His decision to stay at Alabama wasn’t just about football—it was about trusting the process, embracing the grind, and committing to something greater than individual success. And when his moment finally comes, Crimson Tide fans will know that their quarterback was forged in the fire of competition, ready to lead because he never backed down from the challenge.
