Ty Simpson Named Alabama Starting Quarterback in Surprise Early Decision by Kalen DeBoer, Drawing Comparisons to NFL-Bound Stars
Alabama football fans woke up to an unexpected headline this week, as head coach Kalen DeBoer named redshirt junior Ty Simpson the starting quarterback a full 19 days before the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State. The decision, announced earlier than any quarterback naming DeBoer has made during his Power Four coaching tenure, has sparked excitement, speculation, and comparisons to DeBoer’s past quarterback protégés—Michael Penix Jr. and Jake Haener—both of whom went on to shine under his system and transition to the NFL. For Simpson, the early nod may not only signal Alabama’s trust in his leadership but also hint at a potentially massive breakout season in 2025.
Simpson’s naming as QB1 came as a mild surprise not because of his talent, but because of the timing. DeBoer, known for stretching quarterback battles deep into fall camp to allow for maximum competition, broke from precedent by making the call nearly three weeks before kickoff. During his time at Washington, DeBoer waited until the final days before naming Michael Penix Jr. as the starter, and similarly delayed his announcement with Jake Haener during his time at Fresno State. That pattern made many believe the Simpson-versus-the-field battle would run through Alabama’s final fall scrimmage. But DeBoer saw enough early in camp—enough poise, command, and progression—to name his man and move forward with clarity and purpose.
For Simpson, the designation is the culmination of a long, patient journey. A five-star recruit from Tennessee, he entered the Alabama program in 2022 with lofty expectations but found himself waiting in the wings behind Bryce Young and later Jalen Milroe. Unlike many quarterbacks in today’s transfer-heavy landscape, Simpson stayed committed to the program, developed under multiple offensive systems, and never wavered in his pursuit of the starting job. His patience was tested, but his resolve never broke. Now, in his fourth season, he has earned the ultimate vote of confidence from a head coach with a proven track record of identifying and developing top-tier quarterbacks.
DeBoer’s early commitment to Simpson is more than just a depth chart decision—it’s a signal of alignment and vision. In naming Simpson the starter early, DeBoer has given the entire offense time to build chemistry, consistency, and cohesion around a single leader. The playbook can now be tailored with Simpson’s strengths in mind. Practice reps become more focused. Leadership dynamics are solidified. Most importantly, it allows Simpson the time and space to grow into the role mentally and emotionally before the lights come on against one of the toughest opening-week opponents in the nation.
Simpson brings a skill set that fits DeBoer’s offensive philosophy well. He’s a smooth operator with a strong arm, natural athleticism, and a calm demeanor that matches the expectations of the Alabama quarterback role. Throughout spring and summer workouts, he reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his ability to process information quickly, deliver the ball with accuracy at all levels, and maintain composure under pressure. Those traits mirror the same ones that made Penix Jr. such a revelation at Washington—poise, precision, and toughness. With a full offseason of reps under DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, Simpson is now poised to bring those qualities to the SEC stage.
Comparisons to Penix and Haener aren’t made lightly. Under DeBoer, both quarterbacks blossomed. Penix went from an oft-injured player at Indiana to a Heisman Trophy finalist and first-round NFL Draft pick thanks to DeBoer’s system and guidance. Haener, too, transformed from a relatively unknown backup at Washington into one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country at Fresno State before earning an NFL opportunity. DeBoer has proven he can not only identify talent but elevate it. Simpson is next in that lineage, and if history repeats itself, Alabama may have more than just a good college quarterback on its hands—it may have the next great Crimson Tide NFL product.
That possibility isn’t lost on Simpson. Known for his studious approach to the game, he’s been vocal about his desire to become a complete quarterback, not just a starter. He’s worked on refining his mechanics, improving his footwork, and developing the kind of field vision necessary to excel in an offense that requires precise execution. Teammates have raved about his preparation habits, noting that Simpson is often the first in the film room and the last to leave the practice field. That level of dedication mirrors the work ethic seen in past Alabama greats like Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom turned that commitment into elite production.
Beyond the individual potential, Simpson’s early appointment gives Alabama a stabilizing presence at the most important position on the field. With a reloaded offensive line, a talented but relatively young receiving corps, and a new coaching staff still building its rhythm, the quarterback position needed a voice of clarity. Simpson provides that. His familiarity with the program, his relationships in the locker room, and his years of absorbing the expectations that come with wearing the Crimson Tide jersey have prepared him to lead from day one. And now, he has the coaching backing to match his internal confidence.
For Alabama fans, the announcement brings a mix of relief and anticipation. Relief in knowing who will lead the offense heading into one of the most anticipated season openers in recent memory. Anticipation in watching a long-awaited talent finally take the reins. The 2025 season will be defined by many things—the transition from the Nick Saban era, the rising strength of the SEC, and Alabama’s quest to return to national title contention—but the emergence of Ty Simpson may prove to be one of the defining storylines if he delivers on the promise he has long carried.
Simpson will face no shortage of tests. Florida State, ranked among the top teams entering the season, boasts one of the most aggressive defensive units in the country. SEC road games will challenge his composure and decision-making. Every throw, every read, every drive will be analyzed and critiqued. But that’s the nature of the job. It’s the challenge Simpson has prepared for over three seasons, and it’s the one DeBoer believes he’s ready to meet. By making the announcement now, Alabama isn’t just naming a starter—it’s planting its flag behind a player it believes can take them where they want to go.
The timing also sets the tone for the rest of the roster. With leadership established at quarterback, position groups can rally and sync up in ways that only happen when uncertainty is removed. Receivers will now build rapport with a single passer. The offensive line will learn his cadence and adjust protections around his tendencies. Running backs will adapt to the pace and rhythm of the offensive flow. Defensively, the identity of the offense becomes clearer, allowing the team to build a more balanced and strategic approach in full-team scenarios.
Perhaps most significantly, Simpson’s promotion is a cultural moment for the Alabama program. In an era where loyalty is rare and immediate gratification often trumps long-term growth, Simpson stayed the course. His story is one of development, patience, and quiet resolve. He didn’t win the job in his first year, nor his second. He didn’t enter the portal when others might have. He waited until he was ready. And now that he is, Alabama’s coaching staff is telling the world: this is the guy we believe in.
The spotlight will be enormous. The expectations will be higher than ever. But Ty Simpson is finally QB1 in Tuscaloosa, and he’s been preparing for this moment his entire college career. With Kalen DeBoer’s confidence, a system designed for quarterback success, and the weight of Alabama’s championship legacy on his shoulders, the road ahead won’t be easy—but it’s his to travel. If the past is any indication, Simpson won’t just start for Alabama. He may very well thrive, lead, and carve out a future at the next level. And this early decision? It might just be the first chapter in a season to remember.
