Preview of the 2025 Alabama football spring: Will Ty Simpson be able to stop two gifted young players?

As the 2025 Alabama football spring practices approach, all eyes will be on the quarterback position, where the battle for the starting role is set to be one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason. Ty Simpson, a highly touted former 5-star recruit, enters the spring as a key contender for the starting quarterback job. However, he faces stiff competition from two gifted young players: Jalen Milroe, who showed flashes of his athleticism and arm strength in limited action, and a true freshman who is generating significant buzz in recruiting circles. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Ty Simpson, who has been waiting in the wings for his turn, will be able to fend off these two promising challengers to secure the starting spot under center.

Ty Simpson’s Journey to Alabama

Ty Simpson’s journey to Alabama has been one of great expectations. Coming out of Westview High School in Jackson, Tennessee, Simpson was a consensus top-5 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class. His combination of size, athleticism, and natural passing ability made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the country. He was considered the heir apparent to Bryce Young, Alabama’s former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, and his potential to lead the Crimson Tide into the next era was widely discussed.

However, despite his obvious talent, Simpson found himself in a difficult position upon arriving in Tuscaloosa. Alabama already had an established starting quarterback in Bryce Young, which meant Simpson would have to wait his turn. In his first year, Simpson did not see much meaningful game action, as Young’s dominance made it difficult for any other quarterbacks to gain significant snaps. But as with many top recruits, Simpson’s patience was viewed as a virtue, with expectations that he would emerge as the starter once Young left for the NFL.

Now, with Young gone and Alabama in a period of transition, Simpson finally has the opportunity to prove that he is the future of the Crimson Tide. The question remains: Can he rise to the occasion and secure the starting job, or will the competition prove too much?

The Rising Competition: Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe is a name that many Alabama fans are familiar with, as he served as Bryce Young’s backup during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Although Milroe’s playing time has been limited, he has shown glimpses of why he was highly regarded as a dual-threat quarterback in high school. Milroe has a unique skill set, blending a powerful arm with the ability to make plays with his legs. In the brief appearances he has made, including his performance in a win over Arkansas in 2022, Milroe displayed both poise and big-play potential.

Milroe’s athleticism and speed make him a potential difference-maker, and his ability to extend plays and make throws on the run is an asset in today’s college football landscape. However, Milroe’s development has been a work in progress. While his physical tools are undeniable, he has struggled at times with accuracy, consistency, and decision-making. Milroe’s potential remains high, but the question is whether he can refine his passing mechanics and make better decisions in high-pressure situations.

The good news for Milroe is that his raw talent and physicality have not gone unnoticed. Head coach Nick Saban has been known to reward players who possess the traits to make an impact in critical moments, and Milroe has a unique combination of athleticism and arm strength that could make him difficult to beat out in the spring. If Milroe continues to develop as a passer and shows the mental acuity needed to make quick, accurate decisions, he could very well challenge Simpson for the starting job.

A Wildcard: The Freshman Sensation

As if the competition between Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe weren’t enough, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class features a freshman quarterback who is already generating significant buzz. This quarterback, whose high school tape has impressed scouts across the country, is coming into Alabama with a chip on his shoulder and the raw talent to compete immediately. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ makes him a dynamic prospect who could push both Simpson and Milroe for the starting role.

While it is difficult to expect a true freshman to immediately seize the starting job at a program like Alabama, history has shown that Saban is willing to give young players a chance if they can prove they are ready. The true freshman, if he performs well during spring practices, could be thrust into the conversation sooner than anyone anticipated. His ability to grasp the offensive playbook quickly, show poise under pressure, and avoid costly mistakes will be crucial in his bid for the starting position.

There is a clear path to playing time for this freshman quarterback if he impresses during spring ball, especially considering the potential for growth and development in his first year. It’s not uncommon for true freshmen to be given opportunities in high-profile programs, especially when they have the talent and mental makeup to thrive in an elite environment. If this freshman can rise to the occasion, he might just find himself challenging Simpson and Milroe for the role of Alabama’s starting quarterback.

The Dynamics of Spring Practices

Spring practices are an essential period for all players, but especially for quarterbacks who need to develop chemistry with their teammates, refine their mechanics, and master the playbook. For Ty Simpson, this spring is an opportunity to finally prove that he is ready to lead Alabama’s offense and live up to the expectations placed on him as a top recruit. After two years of learning behind Bryce Young, Simpson’s understanding of the offense should be advanced, and his experience with the program will give him a leg up over the younger competition.

However, Simpson is not guaranteed the job. While his pedigree and experience in the program make him a natural candidate, the competition from Milroe and the freshman could push him to elevate his game. Simpson has to prove that he can execute the offense efficiently and avoid the mistakes that plagued previous quarterbacks at Alabama. In a program built on execution and consistency, turnovers and missed opportunities can quickly lead to a player losing favor in Saban’s eyes.

Milroe’s experience with the program gives him an edge in terms of understanding the offensive system and the expectations that come with being a quarterback at Alabama. However, his inconsistencies in the passing game have raised questions about whether he can be the answer at quarterback for the Crimson Tide. In order to overtake Simpson, Milroe must prove that he can execute at a high level, especially in terms of making accurate throws and reading defenses.

For the true freshman, spring practices represent a steep learning curve. However, if he can impress coaches with his football IQ, leadership abilities, and potential, he could create a real buzz during the spring and perhaps even put himself in contention for the starting job. Saban has never been afraid to turn to a freshman quarterback if they are ready, and if the freshman shows he has the tools to succeed, he might just force his way into the conversation.

The Importance of Spring Camp and Decision-Making

As spring practice progresses, the quarterback competition will intensify. The performance in scrimmages, individual drills, and practice sessions will be crucial for each player, as these are the moments where they can separate themselves from the competition. Decision-making, leadership, and accuracy will be critical factors that will ultimately determine who emerges as the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2025.

Nick Saban will undoubtedly take a measured approach to the competition, providing each quarterback with ample opportunity to prove themselves. The coach’s preference for a balanced, efficient, and disciplined quarterback will be key in his evaluation. Saban will likely look for a quarterback who can manage the game, make smart decisions, and avoid turnovers. It’s not just about raw talent—it’s about executing the game plan effectively and putting the team in a position to succeed.