Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer backs Ty Simpson in ongoing quarterback battle, praising his leadership, consistency, and competitive spirit.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepares for the 2025 season, one of the most intriguing storylines in Tuscaloosa revolves around the ongoing quarterback battle. While several players are competing for the starting role under center, one individual has emerged as a standout in the eyes of Alabama’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer: Ty Simpson. DeBoer, who took the reins of the program in 2025 after a successful stint as head coach at Washington, has been vocal in his support for Simpson, praising his leadership, consistency, and competitive spirit. This endorsement is particularly significant given the immense pressure and expectations that come with being the quarterback for one of the most prestigious programs in college football.

The Quarterback Battle in Tuscaloosa

Every year, the quarterback position at Alabama is a source of intense scrutiny. With a history that includes legendary figures such as Joe Namath, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones, the Crimson Tide’s quarterback is expected to lead the team to national championships and embody the tradition of excellence that has defined the program under Nick Saban. In 2025, the departure of former starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, who had a solid but often inconsistent career at Alabama, has left the position wide open.

The contenders for the job have all had their moments, but none have been able to completely distance themselves from the others. Ty Simpson, however, has gradually emerged as one of the front-runners, and Coach DeBoer’s recent comments have only added fuel to the fire.

Ty Simpson’s Background

Ty Simpson, a 6’2″, 210-pound quarterback from Martin, Tennessee, came to Alabama as a highly touted recruit in the 2023 class. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and football IQ, Simpson was seen as the future of the Alabama offense. His ability to make all the throws, coupled with his poise in the pocket, made him a favorite of many analysts during his high school career.

However, his early days in Tuscaloosa have been a mix of development and learning, as he competed for playing time with Milroe and other quarterbacks in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Despite not starting in those years, Simpson was often praised for his work ethic and leadership within the quarterback room. In 2025, with the departure of Milroe, Simpson’s time to shine had arrived.

Kalen DeBoer’s Leadership Philosophy

Kalen DeBoer, who took over the Alabama program after a successful tenure at Washington, has quickly become known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching. His offensive philosophies emphasize balance, efficiency, and a high level of accountability from his players. DeBoer has made it clear that while talent is important, leadership and consistency are just as crucial, especially at the quarterback position.

In several recent press conferences, DeBoer has been vocal about how he values leadership in his quarterbacks. “We need someone who can take control of the offense, lead the team on and off the field, and handle the pressure that comes with being the quarterback at Alabama,” DeBoer stated. “Ty Simpson has shown all of these qualities, and that’s why he’s earned my respect and trust.”

Praise for Simpson’s Leadership

One of the most notable aspects of DeBoer’s praise for Simpson has been his emphasis on the young quarterback’s leadership. In a position where poise and the ability to rally teammates are crucial, Simpson has stood out. DeBoer spoke highly of how Simpson interacts with his teammates, often seen as a calming presence during intense practice sessions and drills.

“Leadership is something that Ty has grown into over the past couple of years,” DeBoer explained. “When you step into this program, there’s a lot to learn, and sometimes it takes time to feel comfortable in that leadership role. Ty has shown that he’s ready to take that step, and it’s not just about what he does on the field but how he approaches the game mentally and emotionally.”

Simpson has earned the respect of his teammates not only through his performance but also through his ability to inspire those around him. As a former high school star, it would have been easy for Simpson to feel the pressure of competing in such a high-profile program, but he has embraced the challenge. DeBoer has mentioned multiple times how Simpson’s maturity and ability to handle the mental side of the game have made him stand out.

Consistency and Work Ethic

DeBoer has also been quick to highlight Simpson’s consistency on the field. In a position where erratic play can cost a team crucial games, Alabama needs a quarterback who can perform at a high level week in and week out. DeBoer has been impressed with how Simpson has handled the ups and downs of the competition, maintaining a level head and improving every day.

“Ty has been incredibly consistent during our practices,” DeBoer said. “He’s someone who you can count on to be in the right place at the right time, whether it’s making a difficult throw or running the offense smoothly. He has the mental toughness to not let mistakes linger, and that’s a key quality we need in our quarterback.”

For DeBoer, consistency isn’t just about physical ability—it’s also about how a player approaches every aspect of the game, from film study to practice. Simpson has impressed with his commitment to understanding the playbook, getting extra reps, and constantly striving to improve.

Competitive Spirit and Drive

Perhaps the most crucial aspect that DeBoer has pointed to in Simpson’s game is his competitive spirit. In a quarterback battle that has included other talented players, including former five-star recruit Dylan Lonergan and highly regarded freshman Jake Garrett, Simpson’s drive to be the best has made him a standout.

“Ty has shown an incredible competitive spirit,” DeBoer noted. “This battle isn’t just about talent; it’s about who wants it the most. Ty has the mentality that he’s going to compete every single day, and that’s exactly what we need at Alabama. He’s hungry to win and to lead this team, and that kind of mentality is contagious.”

In the high-stakes environment of an Alabama quarterback competition, where every practice could be a make-or-break moment, Simpson’s hunger to succeed has impressed DeBoer. It’s clear that, in DeBoer’s eyes, Simpson’s drive is one of his most valuable assets.

The Impact on Alabama’s Offense

With DeBoer now firmly in charge of Alabama’s offense, his system is expected to rely on a balanced attack, one that features a potent passing game but also emphasizes running the ball effectively. Simpson’s ability to execute both aspects of the game will be critical in Alabama’s success in 2025.

DeBoer has expressed confidence that Simpson’s skill set fits perfectly with the offensive philosophy he wants to implement. “We want a quarterback who can manage the game, make big plays when necessary, and keep the offense moving efficiently,” DeBoer explained. “Ty has the ability to do all of that. He’s got a strong arm, he’s mobile, and he’s shown that he can make the right decisions in critical moments.”

With a seasoned quarterback like Simpson under center, Alabama’s offense could be poised for another successful season, even as the team transitions to a new coaching staff and system.

Looking Ahead: Ty Simpson’s Future at Alabama

With the 2025 season fast approaching, all eyes are on the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer’s endorsement of Simpson has made it clear that the sophomore quarterback has earned his place at the forefront of the competition. While there are other talented quarterbacks vying for the starting job, it appears that Simpson’s leadership, consistency, and competitive fire have positioned him as the frontrunner for the role.

As the season unfolds, Simpson will need to continue to refine his skills and prove that he can handle the pressure of being the face of the Alabama offense. However, with DeBoer’s confidence in him and the support of his teammates, it’s clear that Simpson’s future in Tuscaloosa is bright, and he may just be the quarterback that leads Alabama back to the top of college football.

In a program as rich in tradition and success as Alabama, the quarterback position is always under the microscope. With Kalen DeBoer at the helm, the competition for the starting job in 2025 has been fierce. However, Ty Simpson has emerged as the front-runner, thanks to his leadership, consistency, and competitive drive. DeBoer’s endorsement of Simpson speaks volumes about the quarterback’s growth and potential, and as the season approaches, it looks like Simpson could be the key to Alabama’s quest for another national championship.

The stage is set for Ty Simpson to make his mark on Alabama football, and with the support of Coach DeBoer, he appears ready to rise to the challenge.