Why Ty Simpson officially leads Alabama’s QB battle: ‘Showed out a little bit better’

The quarterback position is one of the most closely scrutinized in all of college football, and at Alabama, that scrutiny is taken to another level. With the Crimson Tide’s illustrious history of quarterback play and their consistent success under head coach Nick Saban, the battle for the starting quarterback role in Tuscaloosa is never just a matter of physical talent; it’s also about leadership, mental toughness, and consistency under pressure. As Alabama enters the 2025 season, the quarterback battle has been one of the most anticipated storylines, with multiple contenders vying for the coveted starting role.

Ty Simpson, a highly touted sophomore quarterback, has officially emerged as the leader in Alabama’s quarterback competition. After a heated battle during spring practices, head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have named Simpson the frontrunner for the position. Grubb, who has closely evaluated the performances of all the candidates, praised Simpson for his poise and execution during practices, stating that Simpson “showed out a little bit better” than the rest of the competition.

But what exactly made Simpson stand out in such a crowded field? How did he separate himself from fellow quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and other potential challengers? This article will explore why Ty Simpson has officially emerged as the leader of Alabama’s quarterback battle, analyzing his performance during spring practices, his development since arriving at Alabama, his fit within the offensive scheme, and the qualities that make him the best option to lead Alabama into the 2025 season.

The Quarterback Competition at Alabama

At Alabama, quarterback competitions are always intense. With a tradition of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks and competing for national championships, the standard for the quarterback position is incredibly high. In 2025, the competition for the starting quarterback role was as fierce as ever, with three main contenders: Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe, and a handful of promising newcomers. Each of these players brought a different set of skills to the table, making the decision particularly challenging for the coaching staff.

• Jalen Milroe was the incumbent, having seen significant playing time in previous seasons, particularly in 2024. Milroe is a dual-threat quarterback known for his explosive athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability on the ground. However, questions lingered about his consistency as a passer and his ability to make quick, precise decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Ty Simpson, on the other hand, was considered the future of Alabama football when he arrived in 2023. A highly rated recruit out of Tennessee, Simpson possessed a traditional skill set, characterized by a strong arm, precision passing, and an ability to read defenses. He was seen as the more prototypical passer compared to Milroe, but Simpson had yet to fully prove himself as a reliable option in game situations.
• Other Challengers: While Milroe and Simpson were the clear frontrunners, the competition also featured a few newcomers who could potentially throw their hats into the ring. These quarterbacks were more raw but still had intriguing potential, making the battle all the more interesting.

As spring practices unfolded, the coaching staff watched closely to see how each quarterback handled the pressure, learned the offense, and executed on the field. It became clear that while all the quarterbacks had their strengths, it was Simpson who showed the most consistency and poise.

Simpson’s Performance During Spring Practices: “Showed Out a Little Bit Better”

When Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, spoke about the quarterback competition after spring practices, he made it clear that Ty Simpson had earned the lead role based on his performance. “He showed out a little bit better,” Grubb said, referring to Simpson’s ability to consistently make plays and demonstrate leadership throughout the spring sessions.

1. Accuracy and Decision-Making

One of the key areas where Simpson stood out was his passing accuracy. Throughout the spring, Simpson demonstrated an uncanny ability to hit his targets with precision, whether it was in short-range passes or deep ball attempts. His accuracy on intermediate routes, in particular, was a point of emphasis, as Alabama has traditionally excelled at exploiting the middle of the field with its tight ends and wide receivers. Simpson’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions allowed him to place the ball in areas that gave his receivers the best chance to make a play.

While Jalen Milroe certainly had his moments, his accuracy remained a question mark, particularly on deeper throws. Milroe’s athleticism and running ability are undeniable, but his inconsistency as a passer left some doubts about his ability to lead the offense with precision. In contrast, Simpson’s steady improvement in terms of his accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, gave him an edge in the competition.

2. Poise Under Pressure

A critical factor in Simpson’s rise to the top of the quarterback battle was his ability to maintain poise under pressure. Alabama’s offense is designed to be fast-paced, efficient, and highly strategic, and the quarterback must be able to handle the speed of the game. Simpson demonstrated an impressive ability to stay calm, even when the offense faced difficult situations. He didn’t get rattled in the face of a strong pass rush or when things weren’t going perfectly. His composure allowed him to execute the offense with confidence, making the right reads and decisions even when the pocket collapsed or when his receivers were covered.

In contrast, while Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, he sometimes struggled with decision-making under duress. His natural athleticism allowed him to avoid sacks and extend plays, but he sometimes missed key opportunities when the play broke down. Simpson’s ability to remain poised in such situations gave him a distinct advantage in the eyes of the coaching staff.

3. Leadership and Command of the Offense

Beyond his physical skills, Simpson also emerged as a natural leader on the field. One of the areas that Saban and Grubb emphasized when discussing the quarterback competition was leadership—who could command the offense, rally teammates, and keep everyone focused? Simpson demonstrated a quiet but effective leadership style. He took control in the huddle, communicated well with his offensive line, and had a strong presence on the field.

His leadership qualities became apparent when the offense faced adversity, particularly during some of the team’s more challenging scrimmages. Simpson was quick to gather his teammates after a mistake, offering encouragement and guidance. His ability to remain positive and assertive during tough moments spoke volumes about his potential as the face of the offense.

In comparison, Milroe, while undoubtedly a gifted athlete, showed less of that commanding presence, especially in moments where the offense struggled. While he can electrify with his playmaking ability, Simpson’s steady leadership and maturity set him apart from the competition.

4. Adaptability to the Offensive Scheme

Under Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offense has evolved to become more dynamic, incorporating various aspects of both the spread and pro-style systems. This requires the quarterback to be adaptable and able to execute a variety of concepts, from quick throws to deep shots, as well as managing the running game. Simpson demonstrated an ability to quickly learn and adapt to Grubb’s offensive system, mastering the nuances of the playbook and executing complex concepts with ease.

Simpson’s comfort level with the offensive play calling was evident throughout the spring, as he consistently moved the ball and made smart decisions based on the defense’s alignment. His understanding of when to push the ball downfield and when to check down to his running backs or tight ends allowed Alabama’s offense to stay balanced and efficient. Simpson’s quick learning curve and his ability to run Grubb’s offense with precision made him the clear frontrunner.

Why Simpson Is the Best Fit for Alabama’s 2025 Offense

Alabama’s 2025 offense is set to be one of the most exciting and diverse in the country, with a wealth of talent at the skill positions, a strong offensive line, and an experienced coaching staff. The quarterback position will play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of this offense, and Ty Simpson’s skill set makes him the perfect fit for the job.

1. Balancing the Run and Pass

One of the key aspects of Alabama’s offensive philosophy under Grubb is balancing the run and the pass. With a dynamic running back room and an offensive line capable of moving defenders off the ball, Alabama will look to establish the run early and often. Simpson’s ability to complement the running game with efficient passing will be crucial in creating a balanced attack. He has the accuracy and timing to make quick throws in rhythm, which will keep defenses honest and prevent them from loading up against the run.

Simpson’s proficiency in the passing game, particularly on play-action passes, will allow Alabama to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. His quick release and ability to read defenses will be critical in allowing Alabama to stretch the field and create big plays. While Milroe’s athleticism and ability to scramble are valuable assets, Simpson’s ability to consistently make accurate throws and run the offense with precision makes him the ideal choice to lead this dynamic offense.

2. Maturity and Long-Term Development

Another important factor in Simpson’s favor is his maturity and long-term potential. Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, has always been viewed as a quarterback with immense upside, but his development was never expected to happen overnight. His ability to step up and lead the team in 2025 shows that he has fully embraced the mental and physical challenges required to be the starting quarterback at a program like Alabama.

Given Simpson’s ability to perform under pressure and his command of the offense, he’s not just a good fit for the immediate future—he’s also poised to be a long-term solution for Alabama. His growth in the spring solidifies his position as the future face of the Alabama football program.

As Ty Simpson officially takes the lead in Alabama’s quarterback battle, the future of the Crimson Tide offense looks incredibly promising. His performance during spring practices, coupled with his leadership, poise under pressure, and adaptability to Ryan Grubb’s system, make him the ideal choice to lead Alabama into the 2025 season. With a dynamic offensive system in place, Simpson has the tools to take full advantage of Alabama’s talented roster and build upon the program’s rich tradition of success.

As Alabama heads into the fall with Simpson as its starting quarterback, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in live-game situations. But for now, it’s clear that the future of Alabama football is in good hands with Ty Simpson at the helm.