The Crimson Tide on Monday, Aug. 11, named Ty Simpson their starting quarterback for their season opener against Florida State, the Tuscaloosa News reproted. The team was informed of the decision.
Simpson, a redshirt junior, has waited his turn as a backup for Alabama, and the former five-star recruit will finally get his shot to lead the offense. He beat out freshman five-star recruit Keelon Russell and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, who followed coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington via transfer portal.
“It’s not how I drew it up for sure,” Simpson told The Tuscaloosa News in January. “I think anybody could tell you that. But it’s God’s plan and I think, ultimately, it will make me a better player.’
Simpson has completed 29 of 50 passes for 381 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions across three seasons in a reserve role. He has rushed for 130 yards with three touchdowns over the past two seasons, however.
Simpson will also operate under a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb this season, as Grubb joined the Crimson Tide in the offseason after serving as the Seattle Seahawks play caller. Grubb was DeBoer’s offensive coordinator in 2023 when Washington, one of the best offenses in college football that season, made the national championship game.
The Martin, Tennessee, native was the No. 26 overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He was also the No. 3 quarterback nationally and No. 2 player in Tennessee.