It’s a new day in Tuscaloosa, and with it comes a familiar expectation: win championships. But the road to maintaining Alabama’s dynastic grip on college football always begins at the most crucial position on the field—quarterback. As the Crimson Tide enter the post-Jalen Milroe era, all eyes are turning toward a name that has quietly bided its time, trained in the shadows, and now emerges into the light. Former five-star recruit Ty Simpson is poised to become Alabama’s next starting quarterback, and with him comes not just talent, but a new chapter for Nick Saban’s ever-evolving offensive machine.
Ty Simpson’s journey to this moment is one shaped by patience, perseverance, and potential. Coming out of Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, Simpson was one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation in the class of 2022. Rated as a five-star by multiple recruiting services, Simpson was celebrated for his elite arm talent, mobility, football IQ, and poise under pressure. His decision to commit to Alabama over the likes of Clemson, Ole Miss, and Tennessee sent a clear message: he wanted to compete at the highest level, under the most demanding lights. And now, two years into his college career, that decision is beginning to bear fruit.
Simpson’s early years in Tuscaloosa were marked by fierce competition and limited game reps, a natural consequence of playing in a program loaded with NFL-level talent. He sat behind Bryce Young, the Heisman-winning signal-caller who led Alabama’s offense with surgical precision. Then came Jalen Milroe, whose athleticism and big-play ability kept Simpson on the bench longer than many expected. Yet, unlike some quarterbacks who transfer at the first sign of adversity, Simpson stayed the course. He embraced Alabama’s demanding culture, learned from the best, and waited for his moment with the type of discipline that often separates great players from good ones.
That moment is finally here. With Milroe declaring for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, the door is now open for Simpson to seize the reins and redefine what the Alabama offense can be. His ascension to the starting role is not merely a reward for his patience—it’s a move that carries strategic significance for the Crimson Tide as they look to reassert dominance in the SEC and the College Football Playoff.
Simpson’s skill set offers a tantalizing mix of classic quarterbacking fundamentals and modern playmaking ability. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he’s not the most physically imposing player on the field, but what he lacks in stature, he makes up for in composure, arm strength, and decision-making. Coaches within the Alabama program have praised Simpson’s ability to read defenses, adjust protections at the line, and make accurate throws to all three levels of the field. His quick release and footwork make him a fit for a wide range of offensive schemes, from traditional pro-style concepts to tempo-driven spread attacks.
In limited action during his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons, Simpson showed flashes of brilliance. He displayed command in mop-up duty and gave glimpses of the kind of precision passing that Alabama fans grew accustomed to during the Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones years. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs also adds a dimension that could prove vital in big games, especially against elite SEC pass rushes.
But the promise of Ty Simpson is about more than raw talent. It’s about what he represents to a program that is once again at a crossroads. Alabama, under Saban, has evolved from a ground-and-pound, defense-first powerhouse to a more balanced, quarterback-driven juggernaut. With Simpson now steering the ship, there is reason to believe the Tide could once again field one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation. His deep-ball accuracy, command of the playbook, and timing in the quick-passing game allow offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to expand the playbook in ways that weren’t always possible with a more run-first quarterback.
Simpson’s rise also comes at a time when the rest of the SEC is reloading or rebuilding. Georgia remains a juggernaut, and Texas and Oklahoma are now official members of the conference, adding new layers of competition. But Alabama’s identity remains unchanged: reload, never rebuild. For that process to work, the quarterback must be the cornerstone. Simpson’s quiet confidence, paired with his elite prep background—his father, Jason Simpson, is the head coach at UT Martin—means he’s been preparing for this pressure-cooker moment for years.
There are, of course, questions to answer. Simpson will be tested early and often, both by SEC defenses and by Alabama’s own demanding fanbase. The spotlight in Tuscaloosa is not for the faint of heart, especially when the standard is national championships. Every throw, every misstep, and every win or loss will be dissected in real time. But Simpson’s temperament suggests he won’t flinch. Teammates describe him as calm, meticulous, and laser-focused—a quarterback who leads not with flash but with steadiness.
Simpson’s leadership will be especially critical given the changes around him. Alabama’s wide receiver corps features young but talented playmakers, including returners like Kendrick Law and rising stars from the 2024 recruiting class. The offensive line will need to gel quickly, and the run game, long a staple of Alabama’s success, will rely on a committee approach with the likes of Justice Haynes and Richard Young. But if Simpson can develop timing and trust with his receivers and manage the offense with precision, Alabama may not miss a beat.
It’s also worth noting the intangible value Simpson brings to a locker room in transition. In an era when quarterback movement in the transfer portal is rampant, Simpson’s loyalty to Alabama hasn’t gone unnoticed. It sets a tone for the entire roster, a reminder that development and patience still matter. For younger players coming into the program, Simpson becomes a model of what it means to compete the right way—through hard work, humility, and a willingness to put the team first.
The national media has already begun to turn its attention to Tuscaloosa, speculating on how Simpson’s style will translate against SEC defenses and whether he can restore Alabama’s offensive rhythm. But those close to the program remain quietly confident. They see a quarterback who has matured mentally and physically, who understands the weight of the Crimson Tide jersey, and who has the tools to carry the program forward.
Nick Saban, now entering his twilight years at Alabama, has long maintained that championship teams are built on discipline, preparation, and execution. Simpson’s path embodies those values. His appointment as starting quarterback isn’t just a depth chart update—it’s a bet on a player whose development mirrors the old-school values of the sport, even as the college football landscape shifts dramatically with NIL deals, conference realignment, and player movement.
As the 2025 season looms, Simpson stands at the precipice of opportunity. He has the arm. He has the mind. He has the backing of a staff and fanbase that understand the stakes. The only question now is how he’ll respond when the lights come on and the games begin to count.
Tuscaloosa is ready. The offense is ready. And if Ty Simpson is ready too, then Alabama might once again find itself right where it always expects to be—on top.
