Ty Simpson’s benching in the Rose Bowl jump-starts major question mark about the future of the quarterback position at Alabama
Alabama’s loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl comes with plenty of questions, but none are bigger than the quarterback position.
The Alabama Crimson Tide lost more than just the game against the Indiana Hoosiers in Thursday’s Rose Bowl. After yet another bad loss, the questions about Kalen DeBoer have started all over again, and despite making it to the CFP, the way that game went leaves a very bad taste in the mouths of many Alabama fans.
Part of that is due to what happened during the game at the quarterback position. Ty Simpson took a huge shot on a fumble that all but cemented Alabama’s fate. That caused Kalen DeBoer to make the decision to bench Simpson, who revealed he broke his ribs after the game. Now, that creates a ton of questions about what happens next at that position for Alabama.
Ty Simpson’s injury clouds Alabama’s future at quarterback
In an ideal world, Alabama wins the national championship, Ty Simpson declares for the NFL Draft, and the Crimson Tide starts five-star Keelon Russell at quarterback. Now back to reality. Outside of the comeback win against the Oklahoma Sooners, Simpson didn’t play well enough down the stretch to lead you to believe he would still be a first-round pick.
So the answer for him may be to return to school. But with a five-star on the bench and Austin Mack also in the mix, are we sure that Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide would want him back? Especially after what just happened in the Rose Bowl. I think all bets are off, as does A to Z Sports contributor Josh Taylor.
What should Alabama do about the quarterback position?
“The biggest topic after the game will be about Ty Simpson and Alabama’s quarterback room, and Simpson is the first domino that will fall. He has until January 14th as an underclassman to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, or he can announce at anytime that he’s returning back to college. I expect him to take some time to think about it, and his decision will put Alabama in a tricky situation. If Simpson returns, should he hit the transfer portal or face a QB competition potentially against Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, who says he’s not going anywhere?”
“His draft stock would plumet if he can’t beat out Russell, who is a special talent, and likely gives Alabama its best chance at a National Championship next season. I think Simpson comes back for one more year, especially after seeing his late struggles, how close he is with Deboer, and how much belief DeBoer has in Simpson’s abilities.” – Taylor
Alabama Crimson Tide News
Alabama’s loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl is just the latest in what has become a disturbing trend in the Kalen DeBoer era
Alabama’s loss to Indiana wasn’t only disappointing, it was the latest in what has become all too common under Kalen DeBoer.
