Ty Simpson Reacts to Being Named Alabama’s Starting QB

Ty Simpson Reacts to Being Named Alabama’s Starting QB originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the summer with a giant question mark at the quarterback position. With Jalen Milroe in the NFL, the battle was between returnee Ty Simpson, Washington transfer Austin Mack and five-star recruit Keelon Russell.

On Monday, Alabama made it official and named Simpson the starter to begin the year. The next day after practice, Simpson spoke to reporters about the decision and the opportunity to be Alabama's QB1 in 2025.

"It's a dream come true," Simpson said. "I came here out of high school wanting to be the starting quarterback and I'm just excited, and I can't thank my teammates enough for making me look good and I'm ready for the opportunity."

Simpson was ranked the No. 2 QB in the Class of 2022 according to ESPN, and he rode the backup role for the past two seasons before finally getting this opportunity.

Simpson's QB1 Announcement Wasn't Much of a Surprise to Some

To some, Simpson winning the QB1 job in Tuscaloosa wasn't a surprise, even with Russell entering with a ton of hype.

College football analyst Paul Finebaum called it “the least surprising story of the offseason" while pointing out what head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator had said about Simpson all summer.

In July, DeBoer raved about what Simpson was doing in the QB battle, per Colin Gay of Roll Tide Wire.

"DeBoer was extremely complimentary of Simpson's "gimme" mentality, the high-percentage, short-gain, plays that should be made "all the time,"' Gay wrote.

Grubb was also excited about Simpson's play, according to Nick Kelly of AL.com.

“Ty is continuing to show a ton of command. I thought he did a better job today than the other two guys at that. He continues to progress as a leader," Grubb said on July 31.

Grubb then stated on August 5 that "All of the guys have been getting ones, twos and threes, with the exception of Ty. He’s the only guy who’s not taking any three reps.”

So, for those inside the Alabama circle, it isn't a surprise, but rather a well-deserved honor for Simpson.

Alabama begins the year against Florida State in Tallahassee on August 30, and all eyes will be on Simpson.

Related: Alabama’s 2023 QB Room Is The Talk Of College Football After Boston College News

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.