Ty Simpson takes second-team reps behind Alabama starter Tyler Buchner in pregame warmups

With Tyler Buchner due to start at quarterback for Alabama against USF Saturday, many wondered what happened with Jalen Milroe. Well, after the quarterback switch, Milroe appeared to be moved to third on the depth chart, per BamaOnline’s Charlie Potter.

Buchner took the first-team snaps during pregame warmups as expected. However, fellow backup Ty Simpson took the second team reps, signaling Milroe is now third string, at least for this week.

It was a stark contrast compared to the first two weeks for Alabama and Milroe.

“Tyler Buchner is the first QB up for full-team drills as pregame drills come to a close,” Potter wrote on Twitter. “Ty Simpson is now leading the second team.”

Simpson was four-of-five passing for 35 yards in limited action as a freshman last season. He’s thrown just one pass, a five-yard completion, this fall.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Simpson was a five-star recruit out of Martin (Tenn.) Westview, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 25 overall prospect in the class.

With Buchner, a Notre Dame transfer following OC Tommy Rees, Alabama could have a different look on offense. Since this change came after just two games, many wondered why Buchner didn’t start right away.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel explained on College Football Live earlier this week.

“Tyler Buchner came after spring and he followed his offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees,” Thamel said. “One of his struggles and why he didn’t win the job immediately was that even though Tommy Rees came, he didn’t bring his system. When you work for Nick Saban, you run Nick Saban’s offense even though you come in from the outside.

“Tyler had to come in and learn an entire new system. Toward the end of camp, he really started to play better,” Thamel said. “He started last year as Notre Dame starter but was injured in their loss to Marshall in Week Two. He came back for the bowl game and threw three touchdowns and three interceptions when they won the Gator Bowl.”

With the new developments surrounding the quarterback position, many have to be wondering what will happen to Milroe moving forward.