Kalen DeBoer praised Ty Simpson’s development this spring, highlighting his improved decision-making, leadership, and poise, which have positioned him as the frontrunner in Alabama’s QB competition.

The quarterback position at Alabama has always been one of the most high-profile and scrutinized roles in college football, and the 2025 season is no exception. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, each of whom has helped maintain the program’s dominance in the college football world. However, with the departure of a star quarterback and the subsequent quarterback competition, all eyes have turned to who will be the next face of the program.

Among the many quarterbacks competing for the starting job, Ty Simpson, a highly-touted recruit, has garnered significant attention. His development this spring has been under the watchful eye of Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, and his progress has placed him in a strong position to be named the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

DeBoer, who has been instrumental in Alabama’s offensive transformation in recent seasons, recently pulled back the curtain on Simpson’s progress, revealing exactly what has set him apart in this heated quarterback competition. His praise for Simpson was not only a reflection of the quarterback’s on-field skills, but also an acknowledgment of his maturation as a leader and his ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing in one of college football’s most prestigious programs.

The Context: Alabama’s Quarterback Competition

Before diving into the specifics of Ty Simpson’s progress, it’s important to understand the context in which this competition is taking place. The quarterback battle at Alabama is always a major storyline, but this season, it holds particular weight as the program is coming off the departure of a highly successful signal-caller. With the Crimson Tide looking to maintain their dominance in the SEC and compete for national championships, the decision on who will lead the offense is critical.

Several quarterbacks are vying for the starting role, each bringing different strengths to the table. Ty Simpson, a five-star recruit who committed to Alabama in 2022, is among the top contenders. Simpson has long been seen as a future star, but he still had to prove himself capable of stepping into the starting role.

In addition to Simpson, other quarterbacks have been in the mix, but the competition has been closely watched for one simple reason: Ty Simpson has the tools to be a special player. His development over the past few months, however, has elevated his stock and placed him in a strong position to be named the starter.

Kalen DeBoer’s Insights: Leadership and Poise

Kalen DeBoer’s insights into Simpson’s development reveal exactly what has allowed the young quarterback to stand out. DeBoer, a former head coach with a reputation for his offensive prowess, is well-equipped to evaluate quarterbacks and their development. His words are a testament to Simpson’s growth in multiple areas, but perhaps the most significant factor DeBoer highlighted was Simpson’s leadership.

Quarterback is a position that demands both physical skill and mental toughness, and Simpson’s ability to step up as a leader has been a major talking point. According to DeBoer, Simpson has shown significant improvement in his ability to command the huddle and lead the offense. This is a critical element in Alabama’s program, as the quarterback must be someone who can rally the team, make split-second decisions, and maintain composure under pressure.

For any quarterback competing at Alabama, there’s an immediate weight on their shoulders. The expectations are always sky-high, and the pressure to succeed is immense. What sets Simpson apart is his ability to thrive in these high-pressure situations. He has shown a calmness and poise that belies his age, which is a trait that DeBoer specifically praised. While many young quarterbacks would crumble under the pressure of such a competitive environment, Simpson has embraced it, handling the stress with maturity and confidence.

Decision-Making: The Key to Simpson’s Success

Another area where Simpson has made significant strides is his decision-making. Quarterbacks in Alabama’s system are required to make quick decisions, often with little time to read the defense or assess the situation. It’s a skill that can make or break a quarterback’s performance, and it’s one that Simpson has worked hard to develop.

DeBoer emphasized that Simpson’s decision-making has been much improved this spring. The quarterback has become more decisive, more accurate, and more comfortable in high-pressure moments. He no longer hesitates when it comes to reading defenses or pulling the trigger on a pass. This level of confidence is crucial for any Alabama quarterback, as the offense is built around making quick, efficient decisions that exploit the defense’s weaknesses.

In addition to his ability to make decisions quickly, Simpson’s mental processing speed has improved. He’s been able to digest complex offensive schemes and defenses more effectively, which has translated into more effective play on the field. This progress is a direct result of his dedication to learning the system and his commitment to mastering the finer details of the position.

The Development of Ty Simpson’s Physical Tools

While leadership and decision-making are key intangibles, the physical tools required to be a successful quarterback at Alabama are just as important. Ty Simpson has always possessed the arm strength, mobility, and athleticism necessary to excel at the highest level, but his growth in these areas has been evident this spring.

DeBoer, who has worked with many quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, noted that Simpson’s arm strength and accuracy have reached new levels. He’s able to make all the necessary throws—whether it’s the deep ball, the intermediate routes, or the short, quick passes—and his accuracy has improved on every level. Simpson’s ability to throw with touch and precision has been one of the key factors that has separated him from his competition.

His mobility is another asset that has made him a strong contender for the starting role. Alabama quarterbacks are often asked to extend plays with their legs, and Simpson has shown the ability to do just that. He’s not only a capable runner but also a quarterback who can keep his eyes downfield while maneuvering in and out of the pocket. This ability to make plays with his legs while still maintaining his focus on finding an open receiver is a trait that can elevate an offense and keep defenses on their toes.

The Evolution of the Alabama Offense Under DeBoer

Kalen DeBoer’s offensive philosophy has played a major role in shaping the trajectory of Alabama’s offensive development, particularly at the quarterback position. DeBoer has implemented a more dynamic and versatile offense that places a premium on quarterback mobility and decision-making. His system encourages quarterbacks to read defenses quickly, make accurate throws, and keep the defense guessing by using their legs to extend plays.

For Ty Simpson, DeBoer’s system provides the perfect environment to showcase his skill set. DeBoer’s offense is designed to allow quarterbacks the freedom to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. For Simpson, this provides an opportunity to utilize his mobility, his arm strength, and his ability to read the defense in ways that were less emphasized in previous offensive systems.

DeBoer’s coaching staff has focused on creating a more fluid, less predictable offense—one that will keep defenses on their heels. Simpson’s ability to execute this system has been a major point of emphasis during the spring practices. His growth as a quarterback has come not just from refining his individual skills but also from adapting to a system that rewards versatility and decision-making.

The Quarterback Competition: Simpson’s Edge

While Ty Simpson has earned high praise from Kalen DeBoer and others within the program, it’s important to remember that the competition for the starting quarterback job is still ongoing. Alabama has several talented quarterbacks vying for the role, and each brings something different to the table. However, Simpson’s development over the spring has given him an edge in the competition.

His leadership, decision-making, and improved physical tools have made him the frontrunner in the battle for the starting job. Though he’s not guaranteed to win the role, Simpson has placed himself in a position where it’s hard to overlook his potential. The confidence he has shown in running the offense and making the right decisions under pressure has placed him at the forefront of the competition.

Additionally, Simpson’s ability to handle adversity and continue developing throughout the spring gives him an advantage over other quarterbacks who may not have matured as quickly in such a high-pressure environment. His poise and leadership are qualities that will serve him well not only in the competition for the starting job but also in the grind of a full season of college football.

The Future of Alabama’s Quarterback Position

As Alabama’s quarterback competition continues to unfold, Ty Simpson has established himself as the leader in the clubhouse. With Kalen DeBoer’s praise, it’s clear that Simpson has made significant strides in his development as both a leader and a player. His progress this spring has set him apart from his competition, and his future in Alabama’s offense looks bright.

While the competition is still ongoing, and other quarterbacks may still have a chance to unseat Simpson, it’s clear that the young quarterback has positioned himself to be the next star for Alabama football. With his improved decision-making, leadership, and physical development, Simpson has the tools to succeed in one of the most challenging and high-pressure environments in college football.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Ty Simpson as he looks to solidify his place as the starting quarterback for Alabama. If his spring progress is any indication, Alabama fans are in for an exciting future with Simpson at the helm.