Booger McFarland dubs Ty Simpson best QB in America

The resurgance of Alabama following the Florida State loss has become a major storyline of the 2025 season. Kalen DeBoer now holds four ranked wins in as many weeks, improving to 6-1 overall after taking down Tennessee on Saturday night. A lot has gone right for the Crimson Tide over the stretch but nothing more than quarterback Ty Simpson.

In fact, ESPN’s Booger McFarland decided to declare Simpson the best QB in the country. Plenty of candidates to hold the title are out there, including one McFarland shouted out. However, in his eyes, Simpson is above everybody else.

“Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in America,” McFarland said. “No disrespect to Fernando Mendoza at Indiana. But he is playing at a high level.”

McFarland is not the only one with the thought. Simpson came out atop the On3 Heisman Trophy Poll after Week 8, sitting just ahead of Mendoza. This was his second consecutive week holding the No. 1 spot, finding a great deal of individual success due to Alabama’s turnaround.

Simpson has thrown for 1,931 yards, 18 touchdowns, and one interception through seven games. His lowest completion percentage since the Florida State game is 63.2%, coming in Athens against Georgia. Overall, Simpson is completing 70.2% of his throws, including a perfect 17 of 17 vs. ULM.

Mendoza does not have the yardage of Simpson but more touchdowns are on the board for him. The IU quarterback put up 1,755 yards and 21 touchdowns through seven games. He does not turn the ball over much either, only throwing two interceptions. While stats do not tell the entire story, it’s the easiest way to compare Mendoza and Simpson at the moment.

One more game in this important stretch run takes place for Simpson, entering another fascinating quarterback matchup. South Carolina‘s LaNorris Sellers is on the other side, as Alabama enters an intimidating road environment at Williams-Brice Stadium. Win or lose, a bye week then comes before the final four contests of the season. Three of those are SEC opponents — LSU and Oklahoma at home before traveling to Auburn for the Iron Bowl.

Plenty of work remains for Simpson, holding massive long-term goals. In order to retain the “best quarterback in America” designation from McFarland, Simpson must continue to play at an elite level. If he does, there will not be any questions about the competition level on the other side.