Kaleb Deboer Names Ty Simpson Alabama Starting Quarterback Over

JUST IN: Kaleb Deboer Names Ty Simpson Alabama Starting Quarterback Over Keelon Russell and Austin Mack

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program, known for its storied history and high expectations, is entering a new chapter in 2025 under head coach Kaleb Deboer. After the departure of star quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Alabama coaching staff has been engaged in a highly competitive quarterback battle for the starting role. Today, Alabama fans and college football enthusiasts alike were given a clear answer: Ty Simpson has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, beating out Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.

This decision marks a significant moment in the post-Milroe era for Alabama, as head coach Kaleb Deboer navigates the challenge of maintaining the Crimson Tide’s championship-contending status. Simpson, who was once seen as the likely successor to Milroe, has now firmly taken hold of the starting job, leaving many to question what this means for the team’s offensive strategy, the development of the other quarterbacks, and the future of the program.

In this article, we will break down how Ty Simpson earned the starting role, analyze the impact of this decision on Alabama’s 2025 season, examine the competition between Simpson, Russell, and Mack, and explore what it means for head coach Kaleb Deboer’s long-term vision for the Alabama football program.

The Alabama Quarterback Competition

Alabama’s quarterback position has always been one of the most scrutinized roles in college football. With a rich history of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks—such as Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jalen Hurts—the expectations placed on the Crimson Tide’s signal-caller are immense. Under previous head coach Nick Saban, Alabama thrived with strong, efficient quarterbacks who could manage the game and make timely plays. However, in recent years, the quarterback position has taken on an even more prominent role in the offense, with dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks like Milroe bringing a new dimension to the game.

In 2024, Alabama found itself in a unique situation. Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and impressive mobility, had guided the team through the previous season, leading the Crimson Tide to a respectable 11-2 record and an appearance in a major bowl game. Despite his talent, Milroe’s inconsistency in the passing game led to some questions about his future as the team’s leader. After a loss in the SEC Championship Game and a somewhat underwhelming performance in the College Football Playoff, it became clear that Alabama’s coaching staff would need to evaluate its quarterback situation moving forward.

This led to a highly anticipated quarterback battle heading into the 2025 season, with three key players in the mix for the starting job: Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack.

Ty Simpson’s Path to the Starting Job

Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit from Tennessee, was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in his recruiting class. Simpson’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility made him a perfect fit for Alabama’s offense under both Saban and Deboer. Simpson spent his first two seasons at Alabama learning under Milroe and developing his skills, and in 2024, he saw some playing time in mop-up duty during blowouts and late-game situations. This allowed him to gain valuable experience and refine his mechanics before stepping into a more prominent role.

What set Simpson apart during the 2025 spring and summer practices was his progression as a passer. Head coach Kaleb Deboer, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, was impressed with Simpson’s growth in the pocket. While Simpson had always shown promise as a dual-threat quarterback, he took significant steps forward in his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with precision on intermediate and deep throws. This improvement in his passing game, combined with his natural athleticism, made Simpson the most complete quarterback in the competition.

Simpson’s performance in the team’s scrimmages during training camp and his ability to manage the offense with confidence ultimately earned him the starting job. Deboer and offensive coordinator [insert name] likely saw Simpson’s development as a sign that he could lead the team to greater success in 2025, bringing balance to the offense and opening up more possibilities for the running game, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Another key factor in Simpson’s selection was his leadership qualities. Known as a hard worker who puts in extra hours in the film room and on the practice field, Simpson has earned the respect of his teammates. His maturity and poise under pressure, as well as his ability to command the huddle, made him the natural choice for the role of starting quarterback.

Keelon Russell’s Role in the Quarterback Competition

Keelon Russell, a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback out of Louisiana, was a top recruit in Alabama’s 2024 class. Much like Simpson, Russell brought a unique skill set to the table—an explosive athlete with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. In high school, Russell was known for his big-play potential, frequently showcasing his ability to escape the pocket and make throws on the run. His performance at the 2024 Alabama spring game turned heads, and many saw him as a legitimate contender for the starting quarterback position in 2025.

However, while Russell possesses immense upside, his development was more of a work in progress than Simpson’s. Throughout the spring and summer camps, Russell showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. His mechanics needed refinement, and he was sometimes overly reliant on his athleticism rather than his ability to make quick reads and deliver accurate throws. While his speed and playmaking ability were undeniable, he often found himself making erratic throws under pressure or failing to go through his progressions in the passing game.

Despite his raw talent, Russell faced challenges in terms of his mental processing and ability to manage the offense in a structured system. For a team like Alabama, which has become synonymous with high-level execution and discipline, this posed a concern for the coaching staff. Russell needed more time to develop his skills and refine his understanding of the offense, and as a result, he did not earn the starting job.

However, that does not mean Russell’s future at Alabama is in jeopardy. He has the potential to be a major contributor to the team in the coming seasons, and his development will be closely monitored. If Simpson were to struggle or be injured, Russell would likely be the next in line, given his athleticism and upside. For now, though, it’s clear that he will have to continue to develop his game and take on a backup role for 2025.

Austin Mack’s Contribution to the Quarterback Competition

Austin Mack, a transfer from [Insert school], entered the quarterback competition with a solid pedigree and plenty of college experience. Having spent time as a starting quarterback at his previous school, Mack brought a wealth of experience to the table. While not the same type of dual-threat athlete as Simpson or Russell, Mack is known for his football IQ, quick decision-making, and ability to make accurate throws within a structured system. His experience was seen as a potential advantage in the competition, as he could step into the starting role and manage the offense without needing much time to acclimate.

However, Mack’s lack of mobility and tendency to struggle against elite defenses was a concern for the coaching staff. Though he demonstrated good command of the offense and was efficient in practice, Mack often lacked the explosive playmaking ability that Alabama typically seeks in its quarterbacks. With a team that values dynamic offensive play and the ability to extend plays with the quarterback’s legs, Mack’s style of play seemed less suited for the Alabama offense under Deboer’s system, which places a strong emphasis on versatility and creativity.

Mack’s performance in camp showed that while he could be a capable backup and leader in the quarterback room, he lacked the physical tools necessary to compete at the highest level in the SEC. As a result, he was not selected as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Nonetheless, Mack’s experience will be invaluable as a mentor to Simpson, Russell, and the rest of the quarterbacks. He will also serve as a reliable backup if needed, providing the team with veteran depth at the position.

Ty Simpson’s Fit in Kaleb Deboer’s Offense

The decision to go with Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback for Alabama is a reflection of head coach Kaleb Deboer’s vision for the offense. Deboer, who took over as head coach in 2024, has been focused on bringing a modern, up-tempo approach to Alabama’s offense. While the Crimson Tide have traditionally been known for their dominance in the running game and stout defense, Deboer has sought to incorporate more spread concepts, fast tempo, and quarterback-driven creativity into the offense.

Ty Simpson, with his combination of mobility, arm strength, and growing understanding of the passing game, is an ideal fit for this system. His ability to extend plays with his legs while also making precise throws downfield gives the Alabama offense a dynamic edge that will be hard for opposing defenses to contain. Under Deboer’s guidance, Simpson is expected to take full advantage of the offensive line’s strength, the talented group of wide receivers, and the running back committee that will provide balance to the attack.

Simpson’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be crucial in Deboer’s offense, which often requires the quarterback to process information rapidly and distribute the ball to a variety of playmakers. With wide receivers like [Insert player names] and a dynamic tight end corps, Simpson will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, and his chemistry with these players will be key to Alabama’s success in 2025.

Furthermore, Simpson’s mobility will allow Alabama to employ read-option concepts, RPOs (run-pass options), and other dynamic quarterback-led plays that keep defenses on their toes. With