Calling Ty Simpson: Inside Alabama’s Quarterback Battle That Could Reshape the SEC
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, one of the most closely watched quarterback battles in the SEC is unfolding in Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Crimson Tide, a program synonymous with national championships, dominant defenses, and future NFL stars, faces a critical crossroads at the quarterback position. Following the departure of standout quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Jalen Hurts, Alabama’s quarterback play has experienced a shift in recent seasons. Now, in 2025, all eyes are on Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit with the potential to reshape the landscape of the SEC and beyond.
The quarterback position at Alabama has long been a linchpin in the team’s success. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have seen their quarterbacks excel both in college and at the professional level, from stars like Young to Tua Tagovailoa. With Simpson now poised to compete for the starting job, Alabama’s ability to pick the right quarterback for the system could make or break their chances at another College Football Playoff appearance and, ultimately, a national championship.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore why the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa is so pivotal not only for Alabama, but for the entire SEC. With Ty Simpson in the spotlight, this decision could set the tone for a new era of Alabama football, one that might carry significant implications for the balance of power in the conference.
The Ty Simpson Profile: A Future Star
Before delving into the quarterback competition itself, it’s essential to understand why Ty Simpson has been such a highly regarded prospect. A native of Martin, Tennessee, Simpson’s journey to Alabama started with a stellar high school career. As a dual-threat quarterback, Simpson displayed an arm capable of making every throw, while his mobility allowed him to create plays with his legs. Ranked as a five-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 class, Simpson’s arrival at Alabama generated immediate excitement.
At Alabama, Simpson has been learning under the tutelage of Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, preparing for the eventual moment when he would take over the reins of the offense. His skill set is well-suited for the system Rees is building, one that emphasizes both passing precision and the ability to break off plays with the quarterback’s legs. Simpson’s arm strength, combined with his athleticism, gives him a dual-threat capability that could bring an entirely new dimension to Alabama’s offense.
Despite his impressive physical tools, Simpson’s road to becoming the starting quarterback hasn’t been without challenges. Like many young quarterbacks at premier programs, Simpson has had to compete for playing time behind a veteran quarterback, and Alabama’s depth chart has been crowded in recent years. But with a year of experience under his belt and the chance to showcase his talents in spring camp and fall practice, 2025 is expected to be Simpson’s time to shine.
The Competition: Who is Challenging Ty Simpson?
While Simpson is considered the frontrunner in the race to become Alabama’s starting quarterback, he’s not the only one vying for the job. The Crimson Tide’s quarterback room is filled with talent, and the competition for the position could become one of the most competitive in recent memory.
The most notable challenger is Jalen Milroe, a quarterback who has also spent time in the system, showing flashes of potential during his opportunities to start in previous seasons. Milroe, a former four-star recruit, is an athletic quarterback who possesses a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. While Milroe has struggled with consistency at times, his raw talent and ability to keep defenses on their heels with his mobility make him a dangerous option.
Milroe’s experience with the Alabama offense, combined with his big-play ability, gives him a legitimate chance to win the starting job. However, questions surrounding his decision-making and passing accuracy have been a concern. He’ll need to show significant improvement in those areas to beat out Simpson, who has been heralded for his polished mechanics and ability to operate within a pro-style system.
Another candidate in the quarterback race is freshman Dylan Lonergan, a highly touted recruit who has made waves in his early months at Alabama. Though Lonergan is less experienced than Simpson or Milroe, his raw talent and football IQ have already impressed the coaching staff. His ability to pick up the playbook quickly and his natural throwing ability could make him a dark horse in this race. If Lonergan continues to develop at a rapid pace, he may earn consideration for the starting role later in the season.
What’s at Stake for Alabama
The quarterback position at Alabama is always a critical point of focus. For a program with championship aspirations year in and year out, the quarterback is often the player who makes the difference in those crucial games. This season is particularly crucial as it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Alabama’s offense under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Rees, who came to Alabama from Notre Dame, has worked extensively with quarterbacks and has a proven track record of developing signal-callers. He’s known for his ability to adapt his offensive scheme to suit the strengths of his quarterbacks, which will be crucial for whoever wins the job. The transition from a run-heavy, power offense to a more balanced attack that incorporates a blend of both the pass and the run will require precision at quarterback.
For Alabama, securing the right quarterback could propel them back into the College Football Playoff picture and position them for another run at a national title. A standout performance from Simpson—or Milroe, if he can put it all together—could make Alabama one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC, especially if their offense can match the caliber of their defense.
On the flip side, the wrong decision at quarterback could create more growing pains. Alabama has faced challenges in recent years when it comes to consistency on offense. As much as Alabama’s defense remains one of the best in the country, it’s clear that the offense will need to step up in 2025. The pressure on Nick Saban, Rees, and the quarterback competition to deliver a more explosive, balanced offense is higher than ever.
Alabama’s Offensive Strategy and What Ty Simpson Brings to the Table
Under Tommy Rees, Alabama has sought to implement an offense that blends power football with modern, pro-style passing concepts. This includes a focus on using tight ends, running backs in the passing game, and a more downfield passing attack than the program has traditionally employed. Rees’s offense is designed to be multifaceted, with an emphasis on both running the football and developing a vertical passing game to stretch the defense.
For Ty Simpson, this is the perfect system to showcase his skill set. His arm strength is a key asset in a passing game that emphasizes timing, accuracy, and vertical routes. As a dual-threat quarterback, Simpson also brings the mobility needed to extend plays and make defenses pay when they collapse the pocket. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and use his legs as a weapon in crucial situations will be an important factor in Alabama’s success.
What sets Simpson apart from his competitors is his poise and maturity for his age. Despite being a younger player, Simpson has already impressed coaches with his ability to make decisions under pressure. His accuracy in the short-to-medium passing game is another strength, and it’s something that could help Alabama’s offense find more consistency than it has in recent years. With the receiving corps improving, Simpson will have plenty of weapons at his disposal—if he can manage the offense effectively.
Moreover, Simpson’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed. Even as a young player, Simpson has emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room, earning the respect of his teammates. His ability to command the offense and lead by example will be crucial as he takes on the full-time starting role.
Impact on the SEC and National Stage
Alabama’s quarterback battle has implications far beyond the confines of Tuscaloosa. The outcome of this competition could have a ripple effect across the entire SEC and national college football landscape. If Ty Simpson wins the job and leads Alabama to success, it could reassert the Crimson Tide as the dominant force in the conference, potentially putting them back in the driver’s seat in the race for the College Football Playoff.
For SEC rivals like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, a resurgent Alabama team with a polished quarterback under center would signal a return to the juggernaut days of the past decade. The quarterback play in Tuscaloosa has been inconsistent since the departure of Tua Tagovailoa, but a player like Simpson could bring back that sense of stability and excellence at the most critical position on the field.
Additionally, Simpson’s development and success could change the way Alabama recruits quarterbacks in the future. If he thrives under Rees’s system, it will send a message to future recruits that Alabama is once again a place where quarterbacks can come to not just develop their skills but thrive at the highest level.
Conclusion: A New Era for Alabama Football
As the 2025 season approaches, the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa is one of the most intriguing storylines in the SEC. With Ty Simpson emerging as the likely frontrunner, Alabama fans are hoping that he can deliver the kind of performance that will help propel the program back to the top of the conference and national rankings.
This competition, however, is more than just about who wins the starting job; it’s about setting the tone for the future of Alabama football. The decisions made this offseason will resonate far beyond the 2025 season and could determine the direction of the program for years to come. Whether it’s Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe, or another challenger, the quarterback play in Tuscaloosa will be one of the defining factors in Alabama’s bid to return to SEC dominance and reclaim their spot as a College Football Playoff contender.
For Ty Simpson, the stage is set. The question is, will he answer the call and reshape the SEC?
