Alabama backup quarterback Ty Simpson made it clear what his role has been and what he hopes it will become in 2025. Simpson may not have to beat out Jalen Milroe for the team's starting job next year if he declares for the NFL or transfers, but 5-star phenom Keelon Russell won't be a pushover. 

Regardless, Simpson feels it'll be his time, and he plans on being in Tuscaloosa.

“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.”

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Milroe, a redshirt junior, has the option to return for another season, but he currently identifies as a senior, and there’s a strong belief that he will enter the NFL draft after the season concludes.

Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has been Milroe's backup for the past two years, and his decision to stay for the Tide’s 2024 season surprised many. This season, he has participated in six games, passing for 167 yards with a 14-of-25 completion rate. Additionally, he has rushed for 44 yards and scored one touchdown on eight carries in his third year with the Alabama football team.

Despite his limited in-game experience, Simpson views himself as a leader.

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“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, alongside Milroe and redshirt freshmen Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack. The Crimson Tide is also expected to sign Russell next week. All four quarterbacks currently in Tuscaloosa had the chance to play in Alabama's Week 12 victory over Mercer, with Simpson being the first to take the field.

In the 52-7 triumph against the Bears, Simpson threw the most passes of his three-year career, completing 5 of 10 attempts for 71 yards. While it may not seem like a lot, these chances boosted the backup's confidence, and he feels they demonstrated his growth 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.”