Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer revealed over the weekend that the team was close to naming its starting quarterback. This marked the first time in several years that Alabama entered fall camp without a clear starter.
“I feel like we're getting closer," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said after the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage. "I would've said before camp that we definitely got to make a decision by the time we get done with the second scrimmage, and I would anticipate, for sure, that being the case. We'll see kind of how the next few days go. But it's two good showings, I think, especially by Austin and Ty again today, and I think Keelon making the progress we'd hope for. You can see what his ceiling is going to be, it's just a matter of reps."
On Monday, Alabama finally made its decision on who will lead the offense this season.
“Ty Simpson will open the 2025 season as Alabama's starting quarterback, sources told ESPN on Monday. Simpson and his teammates were informed of the decision Monday during a meeting,” ESPN’s Chris Low reported.
Simpson has officially earned the starting job after patiently waiting his turn for nearly four seasons. Interestingly, the junior quarterback seemed to predict this moment back in high school.
“Whether I start my freshman year or my fifth-year senior year, I do not really care… Be like how Mac was I guess you can say, learn from Tua and Jalen. It is just Bryce, Paul and Jalen for me,” Simpson said.
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It’s safe to say Simpson has followed a similar path to Mac Jones, who also became the starter during his junior year. While Simpson may not have intended his high school comments to come full circle years later, they have. Now, he’ll aim to replicate the kind of success Jones had during his time in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide — and Simpson — will face an immediate challenge as they open the season on the road against Florida State.