In a stunning move that sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, quarterback Ty Simpson announced he is decommitting from the Alabama Crimson Tide and transferring to the Texas Longhorns, citing a variety of personal and competitive reasons behind the decision. What was once thought to be the start of a promising chapter in Tuscaloosa has instead become a headline story in Austin, Texas, as Simpson gears up for a fresh start under Steve Sarkisian’s high-octane offensive system.
This is more than just a player entering the transfer portal. This is a major domino falling in the ever-evolving narrative of college football’s new era — one defined by NIL, immediate eligibility, and the strategic movement of top-tier talent. In an exclusive interview, Simpson opened up about his motivations, his disappointment with how things panned out at Alabama, and his excitement for what lies ahead with the Longhorns.
“It Just Wasn’t the Same Without Coach Saban”
When Ty Simpson first committed to Alabama back in 2021, he did so with a vision: playing under the legendary Nick Saban, competing for national championships, and carving his name into Crimson Tide lore. But that vision unraveled quicker than anyone expected. Saban’s unexpected retirement in January 2024 marked the first crack in the foundation for Simpson.
“Coach Saban is the reason I committed there,” Simpson said. “He had a way of pushing you, making you believe you could become the best version of yourself — on the field and off. When he left, it didn’t feel like the same place.”
While Kalen DeBoer was quickly hired to replace Saban, bringing in a winning pedigree from Washington, the shift in culture was noticeable for many within the locker room. Simpson noted that while he respected DeBoer, the energy and structure he’d come to rely on under Saban had changed.
“There were a lot of new voices, new systems, and new expectations,” he said. “It became clear pretty early that I might not be the right fit anymore.”
A Crowded Quarterback Room
The second major factor in Simpson’s decision revolved around Alabama’s increasingly complicated quarterback situation. With Jalen Milroe returning for another season, along with Julian Sayin — a rising star who returned from Ohio State — and true freshman phenom Keelon Russell stepping in, Simpson found himself slipping down the depth chart.
“I’m not afraid of competition. I never have been,” Simpson insisted. “But there comes a point where you have to be real with yourself and your future. I felt like I wasn’t being given the best opportunity to showcase what I could do.”
Reports from spring practice indicated that Simpson was primarily running with the third team, behind Milroe and Sayin. Despite some solid performances, it became clear he was being edged out of the conversation.
“There were promises made early on that just didn’t hold up,” Simpson said. “And that’s okay — things change. But I couldn’t sit back and waste another year of my eligibility waiting for a chance that may never come.”
Texas: A Fresh Start and a Perfect Fit
The moment Simpson entered the portal, several high-profile programs reached out, including TCU, Florida State, and even Oregon. But it was Texas that stood out almost immediately — for reasons both personal and football-related.
“I’ve always admired what Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] has done with quarterbacks,” Simpson said. “From Mac Jones to Tua to Quinn Ewers, the track record speaks for itself. He knows how to develop guys and put them in a position to succeed.”
What helped tip the scales was the Longhorns’ current quarterback situation. With Quinn Ewers expected to declare for the NFL Draft and Arch Manning still relatively unproven in live-action games, Simpson saw an opening — not a guarantee, but a genuine shot at playing time.
“Coach Sark told me straight up: nothing’s promised,” Simpson recalled. “But I respect that. He believes in my ability, and he’s going to give me a real opportunity to compete.”
Simpson will join a quarterback competition with Manning and redshirt freshman Trey Owens, but insiders suggest his experience and mental maturity could give him a legitimate chance to start as early as Week 1.
Sarkisian’s Reaction: “We Got a Winner”
Steve Sarkisian didn’t mince words when asked about Simpson’s arrival in Austin.
“Ty is a competitor. He’s battle-tested, and he’s hungry,” Sarkisian said during a recent spring practice media session. “He brings leadership, intelligence, and poise. We’re excited to see what he does in our system.”
Sources within the Texas program say Sarkisian has already begun installing specific packages for Simpson during spring drills, focusing on quick reads, play-action movement, and vertical throws — areas where Simpson thrived in high school.
“Texas is building something special,” Simpson said. “I want to be part of that.”
A Family Decision
Simpson emphasized that the choice to leave Alabama wasn’t made lightly. He had long conversations with his family — including his father, Jason Simpson, head coach at UT Martin — before making the leap.
“My dad always told me to go where I’m wanted and where I can grow,” Simpson said. “He reminded me that football is a short window — and I’ve got to make the most of it.”
Simpson’s mother, DeAnna, also played a major role, helping him weigh the emotional toll of leaving Tuscaloosa, a place he had once considered his home.
“There were tears,” Simpson admitted. “But in the end, they supported me 100%. They knew I had to do what was best for me.”
NIL & the New Era
It would be naïve to ignore the role that NIL played in Simpson’s decision. While he didn’t go into specifics, multiple reports indicate that Texas offered a significantly more lucrative NIL package than Alabama was currently structuring under DeBoer’s new regime.
“Of course, NIL is part of the equation now,” Simpson said. “But it wasn’t the main thing. If I was chasing the biggest check, I might’ve gone somewhere else. I chose Texas because of fit, vision, and opportunity.”
Still, Simpson’s arrival gives Texas another marquee name to bolster its brand as it prepares to enter the SEC full-time in 2025 — a move that will place the Longhorns directly in Alabama’s path once again.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With spring ball already underway, Simpson has no time to waste. He’s enrolled in classes and is diving into the Texas playbook with urgency.
“I’m behind the curve a bit, but I love the grind,” Simpson said. “I’m watching film every day, getting extra reps in, and soaking it all up.”
He believes that Texas is on the cusp of national contention and sees himself playing a key role in taking them to that next level.
“I didn’t leave Alabama to be a backup somewhere else,” he said. “I came here to lead, to compete, and to win.”
The road ahead won’t be easy — not with Manning breathing down his neck and the expectations of Longhorn Nation higher than ever. But Simpson seems ready for the challenge, embracing the pressure that comes with the burnt orange jersey.
A Closing Message to Bama Fans
Before ending our conversation, Simpson took a moment to address Alabama fans directly.
“To the Bama family: I’ll always be grateful. You took me in, supported me, and gave me memories I’ll never forget,” he said. “This wasn’t a decision I made out of anger or resentment. It was a decision I made because I believe I have something to prove — and I needed a fresh start to do that.”
Final Thoughts
Ty Simpson’s move from Alabama to Texas is emblematic of the new college football world — a world where talent moves faster, loyalties shift, and careers are shaped by bold decisions. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Simpson isn’t running from competition. He’s running toward it — with open arms, a chip on his shoulder, and a Texas-sized belief in what comes next.
And as the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Austin. Will Simpson rise to the occasion? Will he become the next star in Sarkisian’s quarterback lineage?