As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for the 2025 season, redshirt junior Ty Simpson has emerged as the frontrunner in the team’s competitive quarterback race. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who joined head coach Kalen DeBoer’s staff after a stint with the Seattle Seahawks, has consistently praised Simpson’s development, positioning him as the likely starter for Alabama’s season opener against Florida State on August 30, 2025. 

Grubb’s preference for Simpson stems from the quarterback’s alignment with his demanding offensive system, which prioritizes quick decision-making, processing speed, and leadership.

Following Alabama’s A-Day spring game in April 2025, Ryan Grubb made it clear that Simpson would be the starter if the season began immediately. In a June 2025 interview with Tide 100.9, Grubb doubled down on this stance, highlighting Simpson’s significant strides in mastering the offense. 

“Ty has shown the most growth in processing and getting the ball out quickly,” Grubb said, emphasizing the quarterback’s ability to execute the fast-paced, precision-based passing attack central to his system. Simpson’s performance in spring practices, where he completed 65% of his passes and demonstrated improved pocket presence, has solidified his position atop the depth chart.

Grubb’s confidence in Simpson is rooted in the quarterback’s fit within his offensive philosophy. Having coached Michael Penix Jr. at Washington to a 2023 CFP championship game appearance, Grubb values quarterbacks who can make rapid reads and deliver accurate passes under pressure. 

Simpson, a former five-star recruit from the 2022 class, has shown marked improvement in these areas, particularly in his ability to progress through reads and avoid the hesitation that plagued Alabama’s 2024 offense under Jalen Milroe.

Grubb’s offensive system, developed over years of collaboration with DeBoer at Washington, Fresno State, and other programs, relies on a quarterback who can operate as an extension of the play-caller. Simpson’s cerebral approach and dedication to film study align with Grubb’s non-negotiable traits: elite decision-making, consistency, and leadership. 

“He’s a guy who commands the huddle and understands what we’re trying to accomplish,” Grubb noted after a March 2025 practice. This command is critical in an offense that uses quick screen passes, curls, and shallow crosses to exploit defensive gaps, requiring the quarterback to process information at a high speed.

Simpson’s athleticism, while not as explosive as Milroe’s, complements Grubb’s scheme. He possesses enough mobility to extend plays and contribute occasional designed runs, but his primary strength lies in his pocket presence and accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws. 

In Alabama’s 2024 season, Milroe’s delays in releasing the ball and inconsistent pocket rhythm led to a 9-4 record and a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan. Grubb sees Simpson as a solution to these issues, capable of executing the quick-rhythm passing game that defined Washington’s 2023 success, where Penix led the nation with 4,903 passing yards.

While Simpson leads the race, true freshman Keelon Russell and redshirt freshman Austin Mack remain in contention. Russell, the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class per 247Sports, has impressed with his poise, drawing comparisons to Penix for his “unflappable” demeanor. 

Mack, who followed DeBoer from Washington, brings strong command but lacks Simpson’s experience within Alabama’s system. Grubb has acknowledged the talent in the quarterback room, calling it “as deep as any in the country,” but Simpson’s two years in the program give him a critical edge in understanding the team’s culture and expectations.

Simpson’s development under co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan has also been a factor. Sheridan, who worked closely with Simpson in 2024, has helped refine his mechanics and decision-making, preparing him for Grubb’s complex playbook. 

“Ty’s put in the work to be ready for this moment,” Sheridan told reporters in May 2025, underscoring the quarterback’s commitment to improvement after serving as Milroe’s backup.

As Alabama transitions from Milroe’s dual-threat style to a more pass-heavy, rhythm-based offense, Ty Simpson’s emergence as the frontrunner reflects Grubb’s vision for the program’s future. His ability to process quickly, lead decisively, and execute Grubb’s system positions him as the ideal candidate to guide the Crimson Tide in 2025. 

While the quarterback competition remains open, Grubb’s consistent endorsement of Simpson signals a clear preference for the redshirt junior’s skill set. As the team prepares for fall camp, all eyes will be on Simpson to solidify his role and lead Alabama into a new era of offensive excellence.