The 2025 season could be a pivotal moment for Alabama football, with head coach Kalen DeBoer’s decision at quarterback playing a crucial role in determining the team’s future direction.
Ty Simpson is the most likely candidate for the starting role, largely due to his preparation over the past three years. Another reason is his experience compared to freshman phenom Keelon Russell and Washington transfer Austin Mack.
But what if Simpson doesn’t live up to expectations? DeBoer must consider the possibility, given the high stakes.
Blake Toppmeyer of USA Today highlighted the potential consequences and expressed doubts about Simpson’s readiness.
“If Simpson thrives, he’ll become a great tale of patience paying off. If he fizzles, DeBoer will rightfully head toward the hot seat,” Toppmeyer noted, providing strong reasoning for his concerns. “I view someone who’s been a three-year backup with skepticism in this microwave age of college football. If Simpson possesses top-tier SEC quarterback abilities, why did he spend the past three seasons on Alabama’s bench?”
Simpson’s sole start against South Florida in 2023 “didn’t inspire confidence,” which only added to the skepticism.
There is hope that Simpson could experience a rise similar to Carson Beck, especially with the coaching staff’s expertise and incoming talent, though it’s far from guaranteed.
Despite the significant risk, it would be a waste for DeBoer not to give Simpson a shot due to fears of failure. While the risk could threaten his own position in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer is likely prepared to let Simpson either sink or swim.
More news….
Ty Simpson on Alabama QB Austin Mack: “He’s going to be a very good player”
Austin Mack means more to Ty Simpson than just a teammate in Alabama’s quarterback room. With the 2025 spring practice approaching, Simpson shared that he and Mack have become close since their time together in Tuscaloosa.
“Austin’s one of my best friends on the team,” Simpson told the Tuscaloosa News.
Simpson mentioned that he served as Mack’s recruiting host when the former Washington quarterback was in the transfer portal last year. Mack eventually followed Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama as his first transfer.
Since then, Simpson said the two have been exchanging ideas.
“Just, how does he see this? And how do I see that?” Simpson said. “And how did Michael Penix see it, because he was in the same room as him.”
Although Mack had limited playing time in his first season with Alabama, he appeared for five snaps in the Crimson Tide’s 52-7 victory over Mercer on Nov. 16. He completed two out of three pass attempts for 39 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Rico Scott Jr.
Mack was ranked the No. 230 overall player and the No. 16 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
The 6-foot-6, 236-pound Loomis, California native graduated early after accumulating 3,498 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and five interceptions during his 2022 season at Folsom High School.
Mack and Simpson will soon be joined by 2025 five-star quarterback Keelon Russell.
Despite Mack’s limited action last season, Simpson believes the incoming third-year quarterback has significant potential.
“Austin is very smart,” Simpson said. “He’s going to be a very good player, and I’m super excited to see his growth as well.”
