Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst, has voiced his thoughts on Alabama’s quarterback battle. According to McElroy, Ty Simpson has a clear edge over other competitors for the starting position. Despite serving as Jalen Milroe’s backup in 2023, Simpson’s growth and skill development have impressed McElroy.
With Alabama’s spring practices underway, Simpson’s experience and improvement appear to position him ahead in the quarterback race.
Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy Backs Ty Simpson as Top Contender for Starting Role
McElroy, a National Championship winner, recently voiced his support for Simpson in the ongoing quarterback battle at Alabama. McElroy believes Simpson has a clear advantage over other contenders, citing his skill set and experience.
“I believe the gap exists right now between Ty Simpson and everybody else,” McElroy said on “Always College Football.”
Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy believes a ‘gap exists’ in the Tide’s QB competition 👀
via: @AlwaysCFB pic.twitter.com/Vv3fWDXsTq
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 11, 2025
He emphasized Simpson’s growth, potential, and improved confidence as key reasons for his belief. McElroy reflected on past insights from Alabama’s coaching staff, revealing that Simpson was once considered the most talented quarterback on the roster.
“One thing that I’ve been really interested in with Ty Simpson is how does he develop as a leader?” Said McElroy. “I was told by the staff two years ago that he was the best quarterback on the roster. The problem is at that point, there were some things that needed to be ironed out with his own confidence. What he could get away with, what he can do at this level, what he can’t do at this level.”
“The other thing that I think they’ve found out with this staff is that he’s a little more mobile, a little more athletic than people realized, and he can be a factor in the quarterback run game if needed,” the former Bama signal-caller continued.
However, early struggles with confidence and decision-making limited his impact. McElroy also highlighted Simpson’s underrated mobility, suggesting his athleticism could play a bigger role in the Tide’s offense than previously expected.
“With the upgrades at wide receiver, the advancement of Ryan Williams going into his second year, Germie Bernard as his number two wide receiver, and an addition or two in the portal, this group might be poised to break out,” McElroy noted.
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb echoed McElroy’s praise, commending Simpson’s approach to spring practice.
“He’s really improving,” Grubb said. “One thing I like and appreciate about Ty already that you can tell is he’s very serious about wanting to succeed.”
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Statistically, Simpson has passed for 381 yards in his Alabama career, with no touchdowns through the air but three rushing scores. In 2024, he recorded 167 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, and one touchdown on the ground.
As Simpson continues to develop, McElroy and Grubb see him as a prime candidate to take command of Alabama’s offense.
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