‘I’m a Christian first’ — Alabama’s New QB Ty Simpson Keeps Faith Front and Center as He Takes the Reins

When 22-year-old Ty Simpson was officially named the Alabama Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season by head coach Kalen DeBoer, it wasn’t just the announcement of a depth chart. It was a moment that had been building for years — through adversity, through patience, and through faith. And it was clear from his first public comments that this moment wasn’t about ego or personal glory.

“Football means a lot to me, don’t get me wrong,” Simpson said. “I’m going to make sure I do everything because He’s given me this platform and He’s given me this opportunity. But no matter how many touchdowns I throw, no matter how many wins I have at the University of Alabama, I’m a Christian first.”

That kind of statement hits differently in today’s college football landscape. It wasn’t a carefully rehearsed line or PR fluff. It came across as genuine — and bold. Here’s a guy who waited his turn, stayed loyal, and worked his tail off at one of the most competitive programs in America. But instead of leading with stats or swagger, he led with his faith.

Simpson’s journey to becoming Alabama’s QB1 has been anything but straightforward. He arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2022 as one of the top quarterback recruits in the country, a five-star prospect with a rocket arm and sky-high expectations. Yet he spent his first three seasons mostly watching from the sidelines. While many top quarterbacks would’ve transferred — especially in the current transfer portal era — Simpson stayed. And he didn’t just stay physically; he stayed engaged, positive, and focused. That kind of perseverance isn’t normal in college football anymore. That’s rare.

There were other quarterbacks who started ahead of him. There were new coaches, system changes, and at times, questions about whether Simpson’s time would ever come. It would’ve been easy to bolt to another program, start fresh, and play immediately. But that wasn’t what he believed he was meant to do. Simpson trusted that God had a purpose for him at Alabama — even when it didn’t make sense on the surface.

He’s spoken openly about the tough days — days where he questioned his path, days when the wait felt endless. But he always came back to the same belief: there was something bigger at work. He kept preparing. He kept praying. And when the moment finally came in fall camp of 2025, he was ready.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer didn’t just hand him the job. Simpson earned it. Through spring practice and summer workouts, he separated himself — not just with his arm or athleticism, but with his leadership and maturity. DeBoer made it clear that he wanted someone who could not only run the offense but command the huddle. Ty Simpson checked all the boxes.

By the time DeBoer named him the starter, it didn’t feel like a surprise. It felt right.

Simpson’s playing style is tough and fearless. He’s got a cannon for an arm, but what really stands out is how smart he is with the ball. He understands defenses, knows how to get his playmakers involved, and doesn’t force things. He plays with confidence, but not arrogance. You can tell he’s been studying, not just waiting.

What’s more impressive, though, is how he’s leading this team. Teammates describe him as one of the most disciplined guys in the locker room. He’s the first to arrive, the last to leave. He’s the guy organizing extra throwing sessions with receivers. He’s not loud, but when he talks, people listen. And most importantly, he stays grounded — which is tough to do at a place like Alabama.

There’s no doubt the pressure is intense. Alabama fans expect championships, not rebuilds. Coming off a nine-win season that didn’t meet the usual high standards, the fan base is hungry to get back to national contention. Now the spotlight is on Simpson, and it would be easy for him to get caught up in the hype. But he’s not chasing the Heisman. He’s not focused on NFL Draft boards. He’s locked in on doing his job, winning games, and staying true to who he is.

“I’m gonna do everything it takes to win,” Simpson said. “I’m gonna make sure I’m the toughest guy on the field. I’m gonna make sure I win. I’m gonna make sure I know everything that’s coming. I’m gonna get the guys around me the ball.”

That’s the kind of mentality that fits perfectly with Alabama’s culture. Toughness. Accountability. Winning. But again, Simpson keeps it all in perspective. That’s what separates him.

He’s not just talking about God because it sounds good. His actions back it up. He’s active in team Bible studies. He’s spoken about how he leans on his faith during stressful moments, and how he views football as a platform, not a pedestal. That mindset shapes everything he does — how he carries himself, how he treats his teammates, how he responds to setbacks.

Simpson often mentions that his identity isn’t in being a quarterback. It’s in being a follower of Christ. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about football — he does. He wants to win just as badly as anyone else. But he’s not basing his self-worth on whether he throws four touchdowns or four picks. That’s a powerful thing, especially in a sport where performance often becomes personal.

The fact that he’s waited this long to get his shot only makes it more meaningful. He could’ve left. He could’ve complained. But he stayed, and now he’s in charge of one of the most historic programs in the country.

Simpson’s journey is a reminder that patience still matters. That loyalty still matters. That faith isn’t just a side note — it can be the foundation. And now, as he steps into the biggest role of his life, he’s doing it with purpose.

There will be challenges. There always are. The SEC is no joke. Every week will be a battle, and every defense will be looking to knock Alabama’s new quarterback off his game. But Simpson isn’t afraid. He’s prepared. He’s steady. And he knows where his strength comes from.

This is more than just a football story. It’s a story about waiting well, leading with humility, and keeping the main thing the main thing. Ty Simpson didn’t take the easy path — he took the faithful one. And now he’s right where he’s supposed to be.

So when he says, “I’m a Christian first,” it’s not just a quote. It’s who he is. And as Alabama fans get ready to watch their new QB take the field, they’re not just getting a strong arm or a good athlete. They’re getting a leader with a strong foundation — one that doesn’t shake, no matter the pressure.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one for Alabama. But no matter what happens on the field, Ty Simpson’s impact will go far beyond wins and losses. He’s a reminder of what it means to lead with conviction — and why sometimes, waiting your turn is exactly what prepares you to take over when it matters most.