Johnny Manziel congratulates Ty Simpson on-field after Alabama win vs. Vanderbilt

Johnny Manziel was rooting for the Commodores on Saturday, but he couldn’t help himself from appreciating Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson‘s performance. After the Crimson Tide’s 30-14 win over Vanderbilt, Manziel complimented Simpson’s game.

“Hell of a game, bro. You playing like a baller,” Manziel told Simpson.

Manziel was on Vanderbilt’s sideline during the game. He is friends with Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia and has even taken it upon himself to mentor the 2024 SEC Newcomer of the Year. Ahead of the game, Manziel discussed his relationship with Pavia.

Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel congratulating Alabama QB Ty Simpson after defeating Vanderbilt.

“Hell of a game, bro. You playing like a baller.” @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/LOgJeavHxW

— Matthew Mason (@MatthewMason__) October 4, 2025

“I’m like, ‘Learn from my mistakes, brother. Learn from Johnny. Don’t be Johnny off the field,'” Pavia told On3’s Chris Low. “I had so much opportunity and so much sh*t and threw it away. Diego’s young and lit, and it’s easy in that position to get out of control. But I’m trying to give him the best advice I can. He’s listening. I think he is, so that’s a blessing.”

Unfortunately for Manziel, his advice couldn’t boost Pavia to a win on Saturday. Ty Simpson looked like the best quarterback on the field, completing 23-of-his-31 pass attempts for 340 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception.

In comparison, Pavia completed 21-of-his-35 pass attempts for 198 yards and a TD, while throwing one interception. In fairness, Pavia also rushed for 58 yards.

Alas, Simpson walked away with the most important statistic: A win. With the victory, Alabama improved to 4-1 and 2-0 in SEC play. It’s been a stunning turnaround for the Crimson Tide, who suffered a season-opening loss against Florida State.

Simpson has been largely responsible for Alabama’s success. He boasts 1,478 passing yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He’s only thrown one pick and has completed 70.3% of his pass attempts. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer feels confident every play with Simpson leading his offense.

“You can feel it in the calls that we’re making. We’re aggressive,” DeBoer said. “Backed up in our own territory and throwing the ball down the field with some play action shots, Ryan [Williams] catching one down the right sideline there.

“You can do those things when you trust your quarterback as a play caller and he goes and makes those plays. There is a lot of confidence. We still haven’t hit our full swing here like I think we’re capable of as an offense, especially with finishing drives.”

Ty Simpson will look to only continue to improve. On Saturday, Alabama will square off against Missouri at 11 a.m. CT. The game will air live on ABC.