Ty Simpson’s thoughts on Austin Mack, the quarterback for Alabama football: “He will be an excellent player.”

As the Alabama Crimson Tide continue their quest for dominance in college football, one position that remains a key focus is quarterback. For years, Alabama has been home to some of the best quarterbacks in the game, with names like Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen Hurts all carving their names into the annals of Alabama football history. But as the college football landscape shifts and new talent continues to emerge, there’s a new wave of quarterbacks stepping into the spotlight.
One of those quarterbacks is Austin Mack, a name that’s gaining increasing attention as he prepares to take the reins at Alabama. Known for his impressive physical tools, strong arm, and leadership qualities, Mack is widely regarded as a future star for the Crimson Tide. And according to Ty Simpson, one of Alabama’s quarterbacks in the 2025 class, Austin Mack is set to be “an excellent player” who will undoubtedly make an impact in Tuscaloosa.
Simpson’s remarks are significant not only because he’s a fellow quarterback within the program but because they come from someone who has had a front-row seat to Mack’s development and progression. Simpson, who has seen firsthand the evolution of Alabama’s quarterback room, offers unique insights into what Mack brings to the table and why he believes Mack has the potential to shine for Alabama in the near future.
Austin Mack: The Quarterback with Limitless Potential
Before diving into Ty Simpson’s thoughts on Mack, it’s important to understand who Austin Mack is and why he’s such an exciting prospect for Alabama. Hailing from Texas, Mack is a dual-threat quarterback who possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and arm strength. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, Mack has the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level of college football. He has the build of a prototypical NFL quarterback but also the athleticism to extend plays with his legs when necessary.
Mack’s high school career was nothing short of impressive. During his time at Lake Travis High School, Mack showed the ability to make every throw on the field, from deep passes to tight-window throws. His accuracy and poise in the pocket were evident, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions made him a standout in a competitive Texas high school football landscape. What stood out most, however, was Mack’s leadership. Despite being a younger player, Mack commanded respect from his teammates and showed the maturity of a seasoned quarterback.
With offers from numerous elite programs across the country, Mack eventually committed to Alabama, joining the Crimson Tide as part of their 2025 recruiting class. Alabama’s coaching staff, including head coach Nick Saban, recognized Mack’s immense potential and saw him as the future of the program. His versatility, strong arm, and work ethic fit perfectly into the type of quarterback that has historically thrived in Alabama’s offense. Mack’s decision-making, ability to run Alabama’s pro-style offense, and ability to take over games have made him one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Ty Simpson’s High Praise for Austin Mack
Ty Simpson, the highly-touted 2025 quarterback who is also competing for the starting job at Alabama, has been closely watching Austin Mack’s growth. Simpson, who has seen Mack perform in practice, has high praise for his teammate. When asked about Mack’s potential, Simpson had nothing but positive things to say, noting that he believes Mack is on the path to becoming an “excellent player” in the Alabama program.
“I’ve been really impressed with Austin since I got here. The kid has a great arm, and his ability to move around the pocket is special,” Simpson said when discussing Mack. “He’s a competitor, and you can see how much he wants to be great. He’s not just talented; he’s smart and willing to put in the work to make sure he gets better every day. I have no doubt that he will be an excellent player here at Alabama.”
Simpson’s endorsement is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the type of quarterback Mack is—someone who impresses even the other elite quarterbacks on the roster. As a fellow player in the quarterback room, Simpson’s perspective offers valuable insight into Mack’s skills and leadership. It’s not just about Mack’s physical tools—it’s about his work ethic, mentality, and the way he conducts himself day in and day out.
Simpson also made note of Mack’s leadership, which is an essential quality for any Alabama quarterback. “He’s one of those guys that people naturally gravitate towards. He has the kind of presence that makes everyone around him better,” Simpson said. Leadership is something that Alabama quarterbacks have been known for, from the days of Tagovailoa and Hurts to Jones and Young. Simpson’s recognition of Mack’s leadership qualities signals that the future of Alabama football may be in great hands with Mack.
What Makes Austin Mack Stand Out?
While there are plenty of talented quarterbacks in college football, what sets Austin Mack apart is his combination of skills and leadership. His physical tools are eye-catching, but it’s his mental approach to the game that truly elevates his potential.
Strong Arm and Accuracy
One of Mack’s most impressive traits is his arm strength. He’s able to make every throw on the field, from deep shots down the sideline to quick slants over the middle. His accuracy is also noteworthy—while Mack has the arm to push the ball down the field, he also excels in placing the ball in tight windows. His ability to thread the needle between defenders and put the ball where only his receiver can catch it has earned him comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Mobility and Vision
In addition to his arm, Mack possesses excellent mobility, making him a dual-threat quarterback. While he’s not known for being a run-first quarterback, his ability to extend plays with his legs is a dangerous weapon in the modern college football game. Mack’s ability to move around the pocket, avoid pressure, and still keep his eyes downfield to make throws is a skill that sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the recruiting class.
Football IQ
Another area where Mack stands out is his football IQ. He’s not just an athletic quarterback who relies on raw talent; he’s a student of the game. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and understand the nuances of Alabama’s offensive scheme shows a high level of maturity for someone at his stage of development. Mack’s poise in the pocket, especially in high-pressure situations, has been a key factor in his success.
What Does This Mean for Alabama Football in the Future?
Austin Mack’s potential to become an excellent player for Alabama has significant implications for the program’s future. With Nick Saban at the helm, Alabama has long been a powerhouse in college football. But as the program continues to evolve, having a dynamic, highly skilled quarterback will be key to maintaining that elite status.
If Mack can live up to the expectations that have been set for him, he has the potential to lead Alabama back to national prominence. His skill set makes him an ideal fit for Alabama’s pro-style offense, which has often relied on having a quarterback who can make accurate throws, manage the game, and lead the team down the field. With Mack’s abilities and leadership, Alabama’s offense will be in good hands for the foreseeable future.
Simpson’s praise of Mack speaks volumes about the quarterback’s work ethic and dedication to getting better. As the two quarterbacks continue to compete for the starting role, they will push each other to improve. And with a quarterback battle that involves both Simpson and Mack, Alabama fans can expect fierce competition in the quarterback room, which can only benefit the team as a whole.