Ty Simpson’s thoughts on Austin Mack, the quarterback for Alabama football: “He will be an excellent player.”
Ty Simpson, the talented young quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has spent the last few years learning, growing, and honing his skills within the program. As a highly touted recruit from the 2022 class, Simpson has been touted as one of the future stars of Alabama football. But as the competition for the starting quarterback role heats up for the 2025 season, one of the most intriguing storylines has been the rise of Austin Mack, a fellow quarterback who has impressed many with his performances in practice, scrimmages, and offseason workouts. Simpson, a player with firsthand knowledge of the challenges of being a young quarterback at Alabama, has shared his thoughts on Mack’s potential and future, offering his endorsement of Mack’s skills and his potential as a future star for the Crimson Tide.
Simpson’s comments about Austin Mack—”He will be an excellent player”—have sparked interest among fans, analysts, and coaches, as they signal that Mack, who has quietly emerged as a strong contender for the starting job, has the tools necessary to succeed at Alabama. Simpson’s words carry weight given his own journey and experiences within the Alabama program, and his belief in Mack’s potential further emphasizes the depth of talent at quarterback for the Crimson Tide. This article will dive deeper into Simpson’s thoughts on Mack, what makes Mack such a promising prospect, and what his future could hold in the Crimson Tide offense.
Ty Simpson’s Journey at Alabama: A Unique Perspective
Before delving into what makes Austin Mack such a highly regarded talent, it is important to understand why Ty Simpson’s opinion is so valuable. Simpson came to Alabama with significant expectations as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. Coming from the small town of Martin, Tennessee, Simpson was a highly productive high school quarterback who was known for his ability to make all the throws and his natural leadership on the field. However, the transition to Alabama’s elite program was no easy task, especially with the presence of established quarterbacks like Bryce Young, who was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the face of Alabama football in 2022.
Simpson’s first few years at Alabama were filled with challenges. He was part of a highly competitive quarterback room, battling not only to earn playing time but to prove he belonged on the field at the highest level of college football. In 2023, Simpson was in the midst of a quarterback competition that saw him compete with Jalen Milroe and eventual starter Tyler Buchner, who transferred in from Notre Dame. Simpson had to bide his time and adjust to the speed and complexity of the SEC game, often learning from his mistakes and fine-tuning his game.
Through it all, Simpson demonstrated maturity and a willingness to put in the work. His development was a gradual process, marked by a growing understanding of Alabama’s offensive system and an ability to show off his physical tools in practice. He improved his mechanics, his decision-making, and his ability to handle the mental pressures of being the quarterback at a program with national championship aspirations.
Fast forward to the 2025 season, and Simpson is now in a position to potentially lead Alabama’s offense as the starting quarterback. His experiences within the program and the lessons he learned throughout his journey give him unique insight into what it takes to succeed at Alabama. As a result, when Simpson speaks highly of Austin Mack, it carries significant weight.
Austin Mack: A Rising Star
Austin Mack, who joined Alabama as part of the 2024 recruiting class, is a player who has generated considerable excitement within the program. A 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback from California, Mack comes to Alabama with a blend of size, athleticism, and raw talent that has caught the eye of coaches and teammates alike. He possesses a strong arm, the ability to read defenses, and a natural ability to make plays both in and outside of the pocket.
Mack’s high school career was marked by his ability to perform at a high level in both the passing and running games, showcasing his versatility. He was known for his poise under pressure, his leadership skills, and his ability to make key throws when it mattered most. His highlight reels from high school demonstrated his exceptional arm strength, deep-ball accuracy, and impressive pocket presence. Many analysts and scouts believed Mack had the potential to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in college football if he could continue his growth at the collegiate level.
Despite being a freshman in 2024, Mack quickly began to show flashes of his potential during Alabama’s offseason practices, scrimmages, and development camps. His combination of size and skill set was evident, and his ability to quickly adapt to Alabama’s complex offensive system demonstrated his intelligence and readiness for big-time competition. It was clear early on that Mack was a player to watch, and his development over the past year has only solidified the belief that he has the talent to succeed at Alabama.
Simpson’s Endorsement: “He Will Be an Excellent Player”
Ty Simpson’s endorsement of Austin Mack as a future “excellent player” is a significant one. Simpson, who has experienced firsthand the pressures of being a quarterback at Alabama, has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in such a demanding environment. For Simpson to speak so highly of Mack, it speaks volumes about Mack’s potential and the respect he has earned from his teammates.
Simpson’s endorsement of Mack is likely grounded in several factors. First and foremost, Simpson has seen Mack’s ability to adapt and improve. Whether it’s Mack’s ability to handle the complexity of Alabama’s offense or his growth as a leader, Simpson has likely witnessed Mack’s steady development on and off the field. Mack’s willingness to learn, take feedback, and put in the work has likely been evident to Simpson, who has gone through a similar journey in his own development.
Furthermore, Simpson’s experience with Alabama’s high-powered offense, which has been one of the most successful in the country in recent years, has given him a good sense of what it takes to thrive in the program. Simpson knows that Alabama’s offense demands accuracy, decision-making, and the ability to read defenses quickly. If he believes Mack possesses these qualities, it further reinforces the notion that Mack has a bright future ahead.
One of the most important aspects of Simpson’s endorsement of Mack is his recognition of Mack’s physical attributes. As a quarterback, Mack possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength that makes him an intriguing prospect. Simpson, who has worked closely with Mack in the quarterback room, likely recognizes the immense potential in Mack’s arm and his ability to make throws that few quarterbacks can. Mack’s size, too, is an asset; he has the physical stature to withstand the rigors of college football and the mobility to escape pressure when needed.
What Austin Mack Brings to Alabama
Austin Mack’s arrival at Alabama represents the next generation of quarterbacks who will aim to continue the program’s tradition of excellence under center. As Simpson has noted, Mack has the potential to be an “excellent player,” and there are several reasons why this is the case.
1. Physical Talent and Arm Strength
One of Mack’s most evident attributes is his physical talent. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Mack has the size to stand tall in the pocket and the athleticism to move when necessary. His arm strength is another standout feature; Mack can make every throw on the field, from short, precise passes to deep bombs downfield. This ability to stretch the field vertically is something that will be crucial in Alabama’s offense, which has increasingly relied on explosive plays.
2. Poise and Composure
Mack has shown remarkable poise and composure for a freshman, and that’s one of the traits that Simpson likely admires. The ability to stay calm under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations, is a quality that separates good quarterbacks from great ones. Mack’s ability to handle the mental challenges of being a quarterback at Alabama, where expectations are sky-high, will be key to his success.
3. Leadership and Work Ethic
Mack’s leadership and work ethic have been noted as key strengths by his coaches and teammates. A quarterback must not only lead on the field but also inspire his teammates off of it. Mack’s commitment to putting in the work, learning from mistakes, and taking on more responsibility within the team environment has made him a respected figure in the locker room. Simpson, who has experienced the challenges of earning leadership in the quarterback room, recognizes these traits in Mack.
4. Adaptability to the System
Alabama’s offensive system requires a quarterback to be versatile and adaptable. Mack has shown an ability to quickly adjust to the demands of Alabama’s offensive playbook. His football IQ and understanding of defenses have been key in his rapid development. As Alabama continues to evolve offensively, Mack’s adaptability will play a key role in his success.
The Future Is Bright for Austin Mack
Ty Simpson’s belief that Austin Mack “will be an excellent player” is a powerful endorsement from a fellow quarterback who understands the journey it takes to succeed at Alabama. Mack’s physical talent, leadership, and work ethic make him a highly promising prospect, and with Simpson’s support, it’s clear that Mack has the tools to be a key player for the Crimson Tide in the coming years.
As Alabama football continues its pursuit of championships, the quarterback competition remains one of the most exciting storylines. Whether Mack sees playing time in the 2025 season or waits for his opportunity in the future, it is clear that his potential is limitless. With the mentorship and leadership of players like Simpson, Mack is well-positioned to develop into a star quarterback at Alabama.
