Ty Simpson reacts to being named Alabama starting QB

Throughout the summer, the sense was Ty Simpson cemented himself as the frontrunner to become Alabama’s starting quarterback. The redshirt junior was battling former Washington transfer Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell for the job.

Monday, it became official. Kalen DeBoer informed the team that Simpson will be the starter this season, beginning with the season opener Aug. 30 against Florida State. First, though, a conversation took place with the quarterback room.

Simpson recalled that meeting and said both Mack and Russell were fully supportive following a battle which began in the spring. He credited his two fellow QBs for pushing him throughout the process, which elevated his skillset even more.

“We had a quarterback meeting, and it was just us three then [Ryan] Grubb, Coach [Nick] Sheridan, and Coach DeBoer were in there,” Simpson told reporters Tuesday. “They were just like, ‘Guys, hey, we’re going to name Ty the starter today.’ We went from there.

“They were really appreciative of me. They congratulated me, Austin and Keelon did, and they just told me to go get it. I can’t thank those guys enough because I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t push me every single day.”

When Simpson first arrived at Alabama in 2022, he preserved a redshirt as Bryce Young returned as the starter. Jalen Milroe then won the starting job in 2023 before running it back in 2024, meaning Simpson was again in a backup role.

Rather than enter the transfer portal, the former five-star recruit waited his turn. Now, he has his opportunity, and he called it a testament to the work he put in the last few seasons.

“It was surreal, for sure – something I’ve dreamed about since I came here,” Simpson said. “But I’m not going to sit here and say it was nothing I didn’t expect. I feel like I worked my tail off for it. I’m just excited for the opportunity to go out there with my guys and compete each and every day.”

Simpson appeared in six games each of the last two years after playing in four games as a freshman in 2022, meaning he preserved a redshirt. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he has 381 passing yards while adding 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Now officially in place as the starting quarterback, Ty Simpson looked back on his journey since getting to Tuscaloosa in 2022. He thanked his teammates and said he’s ready to get to work.

“It’s a dream come true,” Simpson said. “I came here in high school and wanted to be the starting quarterback. I’m just excited.

“I can’t thank my teammates enough for making me look good. I’m ready for the opportunity.”