What did Alabama football quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Kalen DeBoer say about their performance in the first spring scrimmage?

As spring football rolls around each year, the Alabama Crimson Tide finds itself at the center of scrutiny, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Known for producing elite quarterbacks who have gone on to succeed at the highest levels, Alabama’s quarterback situation always garners significant attention. For the spring of 2025, all eyes were on sophomore Ty Simpson and redshirt freshman Kalen DeBoer as they took the field for Alabama’s first spring scrimmage under head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

Both quarterbacks have shown promise in their respective careers, but with no clear starting quarterback as of the scrimmage, it was their performances that would set the tone for the upcoming season. Each player brought a unique skill set to the table, and the scrimmage served as a critical moment to evaluate their progress and growth. Following the scrimmage, both Ty Simpson and Kalen DeBoer were eager to discuss their performances, reflecting on what they did well, areas for improvement, and how they felt about their chances to earn the starting role.

Ty Simpson: Looking to Build on the 2024 Season

Ty Simpson, who was a highly touted recruit out of Tennessee, entered the Alabama program with big expectations. After a promising but somewhat inconsistent 2024 season, in which he split time under center, Simpson was expected to take a significant step forward in 2025. The scrimmage served as his first big opportunity to show that he was ready to take the reins of the Alabama offense.

Simpson’s performance in the scrimmage was a mixed bag—some good moments, but also some growing pains. Reflecting on his performance, Simpson acknowledged both the positives and the areas where he knew he had to improve.

“I thought I made some good throws,” Simpson said after the scrimmage, “but I also had a couple of mistakes that I need to clean up. There were times when I had the right read, and I was able to get the ball out on time, which is something I’ve been working on. But there were also a few times when I held onto the ball too long or didn’t recognize a defender coming free. That’s stuff I need to get better at if I’m going to lead this team.”

Indeed, Simpson had some standout moments during the scrimmage, including a few deep ball throws that showcased his arm strength and accuracy. One such throw came in the middle of the scrimmage when Simpson connected with junior wide receiver Jermaine Burton on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The throw was perfectly placed, hitting Burton in stride as he burned past the defense. It was moments like that which gave Alabama fans a glimpse of the high ceiling Simpson possesses.

However, there were also moments that underscored his need for improvement. Simpson struggled with pressure at times, particularly when the Alabama defensive line dialed up blitzes. He was sacked multiple times, and his ability to escape the pocket and extend plays was tested. While Simpson has the athleticism to make plays with his legs, he wasn’t always able to stay composed under pressure, and his footwork at times betrayed him.

“I have to do a better job of managing the pocket,” Simpson admitted. “There were some times where I could have stepped up and made a throw, but I ended up scrambling too early. Staying calm in those situations is something I’ve been working on, and I’ll continue to do so.”

Despite the hiccups, Simpson’s leadership was one of the standout traits noted by both his coaches and teammates. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Simpson for his ability to lead the offense and manage the huddle, two areas that were emphasized heading into the spring.

“Ty’s grown a lot since last season,” Rees said in his post-scrimmage comments. “He’s more confident, and he’s doing a better job of commanding the offense. He’s got the physical tools, but we need to see that consistency in every practice and scrimmage. That’s the next step for him.”

Simpson also expressed his excitement about the development of Alabama’s wide receiving corps. With a group of talented pass catchers, including Burton, Isaiah Bond, and a handful of other playmakers, Simpson’s job was made easier in many respects. Still, he acknowledged that he had to continue developing chemistry with his receivers, particularly in the timing and execution of deep ball throws.

“I’ve got some talented guys to throw to, but it’s about building that trust and timing with them,” Simpson said. “It’s something we’ve been working on in the offseason, and I think we’ll only get better as the spring goes on.”

Kalen DeBoer: Aiming to Prove Himself

Kalen DeBoer, a redshirt freshman from California, was a relative unknown entering spring camp. After spending the 2024 season learning under Simpson and former starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, DeBoer had the chance to make a statement in the scrimmage. While he had limited game action last season, DeBoer had impressed coaches with his maturity and composure in practice, and there were whispers that he could challenge for the starting role in 2025.

DeBoer’s performance in the scrimmage was, by all accounts, impressive. He showed poise in the pocket, a quick release on his throws, and an ability to read the defense and make the right decisions. DeBoer also demonstrated a high level of accuracy, especially on shorter routes and timing-based throws.

“I felt pretty good out there,” DeBoer reflected after the scrimmage. “It was a great opportunity for me to get in there and show what I can do. I still have a lot to improve on, but overall I was happy with the way I was able to read the defense and get the ball out quickly.”

One of the more notable aspects of DeBoer’s performance was his ability to avoid pressure and keep his eyes downfield. On a few occasions, he faced a strong pass rush but managed to evade defenders and extend plays. His mobility in the pocket stood out, and he showcased a calm demeanor that helped him make smart decisions under duress.

“I’m still working on my pocket awareness,” DeBoer acknowledged. “There were a few times when I could have made quicker decisions or had better footwork. But overall, I think I handled the pressure well and made the right throws when I needed to.”

However, while DeBoer showed potential, there were moments when he struggled with the timing of some of his throws, particularly on deeper routes. His arm strength was sufficient, but he was occasionally late on some of his downfield passes, which allowed defenders to recover and break up the throw. DeBoer was aware of these moments and discussed how he planned to improve.

“I have to work on being more consistent with my deep ball,” DeBoer said. “Sometimes I was a little late on the throw, and that’s something I can fix with more reps and practice. I have the arm, I just need to be more precise with my timing.”

Overall, DeBoer left a positive impression on the coaches and his teammates. His calmness in the huddle and ability to manage the offense under pressure impressed both Tommy Rees and head coach Nick Saban.

“Kalen did some good things,” Rees said. “He’s got a good feel for the game, and he’s shown growth throughout the spring. There’s still a lot of development to do, but we like what we’ve seen from him.”

Nick Saban also praised DeBoer for his maturity and ability to stay composed, even in his first big scrimmage appearance.

“Kalen’s a smart player,” Saban said. “He doesn’t get rattled, and that’s a huge plus for a young quarterback. We’re excited about his potential, but there’s a lot of work ahead for him.”

The Quarterback Battle: What’s Next for Ty Simpson and Kalen DeBoer?

As Alabama heads into the remainder of spring practices, the quarterback competition between Ty Simpson and Kalen DeBoer is far from over. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be the key as they continue to battle for the starting role.

Simpson enters the battle with more experience, having been in the program for longer and having seen more significant in-game action. However, DeBoer has impressed with his poise, accuracy, and quick decision-making, making him a legitimate contender for the job.

In the coming weeks, both quarterbacks will have the opportunity to prove themselves in more scrimmages and practices, with Nick Saban and Tommy Rees undoubtedly watching closely. The ultimate goal for the Crimson Tide coaching staff will be to find the quarterback who gives the team the best chance to win in the highly competitive SEC.

For now, Simpson and DeBoer are both focused on improving their games, acknowledging the work that lies ahead. Regardless of who earns the starting role, the competition between these two talented quarterbacks will only make both players better—and will provide Alabama with a strong quarterback foundation heading into the 2025 season.

In the words of Ty Simpson: “It’s all about getting better every day. We’re pushing each other, and that makes this team stronger.” For Kalen DeBoer, the mindset is the same: “I’m just going to keep working, keep learning, and do whatever I can to help this team win.”