With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL Draft, the Alabama Crimson Tide is preparing for a new era under center. Ty Simpson has emerged as a strong contender to take the reins, drawing attention as a potential leader for the program from head coach Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer has now weighed in on his quarterback, offering insight into Simpson’s readiness to guide Alabama’s offense in the seasons ahead.
Kalen DeBoer Is Impressed by Ty Simpson’s Preparation in the Offseason
Last season, Simpson served as Alabama’s trusted backup, stepping in for crucial moments across five games. His battle for the starting role in 2023 against Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner didn’t go his way, but he remained a key figure in the Tide’s quarterback rotation.
Now, with Milroe gone, many Crimson Tide fans see Simpson as the natural successor to lead the offense.
Alabama had two excellent seasons with Milroe as the starting quarterback. Now that he’s gone, they hope to emulate those results in the coming season. Notably, many believe that Simpson could fulfill their expectations, as he already showcases great signs of leadership.
DeBoer agrees with this speculation and has even talked about Simpson’s impressive practice sessions during the offseason.
“You certainly appreciate what he’s done. Just continue to work on what he can control, and that’s himself, continue to build relationships to get ready for this chance, he has right in front of him to not just step up as a leader because I think he’s been doing that, but to have that opportunity to step in and be the quarterback,” DeBoer told Touchdown Alabama.
A former five-star recruit, Simpson committed to Alabama in 2022 and now stands as the last man standing from the school’s 2022-2024 quarterback classes.
While other top prospects like Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Dylan Lonergan (Boston College), and Eli Holstein (Pitt) have moved on, Simpson remained locked in. Even with major changes in Tuscaloosa as Nick Saban retired and DeBoer stepped in, Simpson remained committed to the Crimson Tide.
Over the past three seasons, he has steadily built his case, completing 29-of-50 passes while preparing for his opportunity. Now, with the program in transition, Simpson is ready to take charge and prove he is the right man for the job.
Simpson Reveals His Opinions About Being Alabama’s QB1
Simpson was already expecting to lead the Crimson Tide, even though he isn’t yet officially the starter. He has always seen himself as the leader of ‘Bama’s football team. During his interview with the Crimson Tide Network, released on Nov. 26, he seemed excited to take up the role in the next season.
“My job is for the offense not to skip a beat. In case something happens to Jalen. Whether it’s in practice or in the warmups or anything like that, knowing that the guys have confidence in me that, ‘OK, Jalen is out. We’re gonna down and win the game no matter what, even if Ty’s in,'” Simpson said. “So that’s my job as the backup quarterback. And hopefully, next year, that’ll be my job, to be the guy and know that the next guy is ready.”
With just one year of eligibility left, Simpson has yet to truly showcase his potential at Alabama. Limited opportunities have kept him in the shadows, but the competition is heating up. The Crimson Tide boasts a stacked QB room with rising talents like Austin Mack and five-star recruit Keelon Russell for 2025.
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Simpson also talked about how he’s always shown his loyalty to the Crimson Tide, and now it seems to be their turn to return the favor.
“Certainly, especially since coming back,” Simpson stated. “In this day and age, a lot of people would have probably left, especially with the circumstances that I had.”
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