Why Ty Simpson starting for Alabama football is best-case scenario

Published On: August 13, 2025

Note from the editor: This is an analysis.

Although they are not exactly the same, Alabama’s quarterback situations in 2020 and 2025 rhyme.

The opportunity to become the permanent starter went to the seasoned quarterback who waited his turn. Behind him, the five-star freshman was given the chance to observe, pick up tips, and get ready.

That resulted in a national championship in 2020. Then, in 2021, the incoming sensation took home the Heisman Trophy. The tales of Bryce Young and Mac Jones are well known.

If history repeats itself in 2025 and 2026, only time will tell.

On Monday, the first step was completed.Alabama’s starting quarterback is Ty Simpson. Simpson had his long-awaited and well-earned chance after trailing Young and Jalen Milroe since 2022.

So far, Alabama’s quarterback situation in 2025 is going as smoothly as it can.

The first is the message it conveys. Your moment will come if you wait your turn and get better. Simpson did this during a time when it was far more popular to get up and transfer to another place at the first hint of not starting. Simpson remained in Alabama and became better. With so many weapons at his disposal, he now has an opportunity to succeed as the starting quarterback this season. Although there is still plenty to be done, Simpson is headed in the right direction.

Second, Simpson contributed to Alabama’s future by going out and landing the position.

Russell doesn’t need to be thrown into the position before he’s ready because he is a true freshman. He is going to be exceptional, based on all the signs from camp, but becoming a successful collegiate quarterback requires more than just exceptional skill. Even the greatest recruits need time to grasp some of the finer fundamentals of quarterbacking.

Kalen DeBoer’s post-scrimmage study of the quarterbacks included illustrations of a few of those.

“I think command of the huddle, the two guys who’ve been with the offense the longest, Ty (Simpson) and Austin (Mack), are sharp and confident with it when they get in the huddle and have to rattle off a play,” DeBoer said. Russell’s character, Keelon, is still learning those things. However, he’s doing a fantastic job. He is making the kind of improvement you would expect for.

When Simpson gets the starting position, Russell has greater leeway. The real freshman may now keep learning, developing, and being ready for his next chance.

More time for Mack’s development is also appreciated. Remember that he is only 19 years old. Although he is starting his third season of collegiate football, he is still rather young. He is actually just one year older than Russell.According to reports from camp, Mack has also done well and kept getting better. Now, though, whether he starts at Alabama or somewhere else, he has an even greater potential to position himself for success.

With two quarterbacks who have promising futures learning directly behind him, Alabama has a quarterback in a good position to succeed as the starting quarterback.

Simpson went out and got the job, which made it all feasible. Think of this as the best-case situation.