Ty Simpson hopes to be Alabama's starting quarterback in 2025

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson expressed interest in not only returning to Tuscaloosa next year but taking over as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

In an interview with the Crimson Tide Sports Network that was released on Tuesday, Simpson shared his plans while discussing his role as Alabama’s backup behind Jalen Milroe.

“My job is for the offense not to skip a beat in case something happens to Jalen,” Simpson said. “Whether it’s in practice or in warmups or anything like that, knowing that the guys have confidence in me that, ‘OK, Jalen is out. We’re gonna down and win the game no matter what, even if Ty’s in.’ So that’s my job as the backup quarterback. 

“And hopefully next year, that’ll be my job, to be the guy and know that the next guy is ready.”

Milroe is a redshirt junior and could return next season, but the current Alabama starter labels himself as a senior, and many believe he will leave for the NFL after this season ends.

Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has served as his backup the last two years, and he surprised some when he chose to return for the Tide’s 2024 campaign. This fall, Simpson has played in six games and thrown for 167 yards on 14-of-25 passing. He has also rushed for 44 yards and one touchdown on eight carries in Year 3 in the Alabama football program.

Though he doesn’t have much game experience, Simpson considers himself to be a leader.

“Certainly, especially since coming back,” Simpson said. “In this day and age, a lot of people would have probably left, especially with the circumstances that I had. But being here when Coach (Nick Saban) left and being here for three years – in my class, you’ve got guys like Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, Kendrick Law, Jamarion Miller – guys like that that are big-time playmakers for us and vocal leaders in the locker room.

“And me being a quarterback and an older guy as well, my voice is just as important as theirs and heard as much as theirs. I think it’s a job of mine – even though I don’t play – that these guys know the standard and know how we do things around here.”

Simpson is one of four scholarship quarterbacks on Alabama’s 2024 roster, along with Milroe and redshirt freshmen Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack. The Crimson Tide is also set to sign 5-star Keelon Russell next week. All four of the players currently in Tuscaloosa were able to play in Alabama’s Week 12 win over Mercer, with Simpson checking in first.

In the 52-7 win over the Bears, Simpson attempted the most passes in his three-year career and went 5-of-10 for 71 yards. It might not have been much, but those opportunities gave the UA backup confidence and, he believes, showed his development as a player.

“I felt like I’m a different player,” Simpson said. “I felt like I’ve grown a lot more. Being able to kind of take those two drives and kind of play free and just play ball, it felt really good. Felt like I was back in high school. Got a lot of confidence back underneath me, and I’m just excited to get more chances.”

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