I asked his father how Ty Simpson has handled the quarterback struggle for Alabama football.

The University of Alabama’s football program, under head coach Nick Saban, is known for its relentless pursuit of excellence. One position, however, has remained a point of intrigue and speculation — the quarterback spot. Each season, the competition for the starting quarterback position is fierce, with highly recruited players vying for the chance to lead one of college football’s most storied programs. In 2023, the spotlight was on Ty Simpson, a former 5-star recruit and the son of former college quarterback Chad Simpson. Ty entered a heated battle for the starting quarterback role, not only with his peers but also with the weight of Alabama’s recent success in mind.

To understand how Ty Simpson has approached this pressure-packed situation, I spoke to his father, Chad Simpson, about the mental and emotional process Ty has gone through while navigating the quarterback battle at Alabama. The conversation illuminated the challenges and strategies Ty has adopted to manage the competition, stay focused, and work toward earning the trust of both his coaches and teammates.

The Background: A Competitive Environment at Alabama

Alabama football is a program known for attracting some of the best and brightest talent in the country, particularly at quarterback. Since Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa sparked a quarterback carousel at the program, competition at the position has been both fierce and unrelenting. In recent years, the Crimson Tide has had some of the top quarterbacks in the country, and this has created a high bar for anyone entering the program.

Ty Simpson, a highly touted recruit from the class of 2022, was thrust into this environment with immense expectations. Coming out of Westview High School in Jackson, Tennessee, Ty was one of the top quarterbacks in the country, known for his strong arm, mobility, and poise in the pocket. His combination of athleticism and football IQ made him an ideal candidate to eventually lead Alabama’s offense.

However, Ty’s entry into Alabama’s quarterback battle has been far from a smooth and straightforward path. With veteran players such as Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner also competing for the starting job, Ty has faced immense competition for the role. This environment has made it clear that only the most mentally prepared, resilient, and dedicated athletes will rise to the top.

Chad Simpson on the Challenges of the Alabama QB Battle

When I spoke with Chad Simpson, Ty’s father, he offered a candid look into the experience of being a parent of a player in such a high-profile and competitive environment. Chad, who himself was a college quarterback at Middle Tennessee State, has had a firsthand understanding of what it means to be part of the quarterback competition. As a father, he has offered Ty both advice and perspective to help him manage the pressures that come with such a high-stakes situation.

Chad explained that the first step Ty took when he arrived at Alabama was understanding that the quarterback position at a program like Alabama is not just about talent — it’s about how you handle adversity, competition, and constant scrutiny.

“At Alabama, the quarterback battle is never just about talent,” Chad said. “It’s about being able to handle the pressure. Ty has known from day one that it would be a battle, but he embraced it. He’s not just competing with the other guys in the room; he’s competing with the expectations that Alabama football brings every year.”

Mental Toughness and Focus

Ty’s mental fortitude has been one of the key themes of Chad’s reflection. The battle for the starting role at Alabama is notorious for testing a player’s ability to remain focused and calm under pressure. Chad was quick to highlight that Ty has always been the type of player who handles pressure well, but this experience has tested his resilience more than anything.

“Ty has always been the kind of player who doesn’t get rattled by the pressure of the moment,” Chad explained. “He has that innate ability to stay focused and lock in, whether he’s playing in a high school game or battling for the starting job at Alabama. But Alabama is a different beast. There’s a level of competition and expectation that comes with being there. Ty knew going in that he had to stay locked in, be patient, and learn every single day. There’s no room for complacency.”

Indeed, Alabama’s quarterback room is packed with talent, and this has forced Ty to remain sharp both on and off the field. Chad explained that one of the biggest challenges for Ty has been balancing the need to prove himself while maintaining humility. There’s always the temptation to try to “do too much,” especially when playing at a program like Alabama, but Ty has stayed focused on the fundamentals and learning from his mistakes.

Embracing the Competition

When discussing the nature of the competition within the Alabama quarterback room, Chad was quick to point out that it was never about Ty Simpson vs. Jalen Milroe or any of the other quarterbacks. Instead, it was about improving every day and pushing each other to get better.

“Ty has always been someone who thrives in competition,” Chad explained. “When he was younger, he was always the one to rise to the challenge, whether it was in high school or against other top players at camps. At Alabama, it’s no different. But what sets him apart is that he understands it’s not just about beating out the other quarterbacks; it’s about becoming the best version of himself. He competes with himself first, always trying to get better, which is why he’s been able to handle the battle so well.”

One of the key aspects of Ty’s approach to the quarterback battle has been his willingness to learn from his teammates. Rather than seeing the other quarterbacks as competitors to be defeated, Ty has embraced the opportunity to learn from them and the coaching staff. Chad mentioned that Ty’s maturity in this area has been evident, especially in how he has dealt with the ever-present media and fan attention.

“One of the things Ty has done really well is not focusing on what’s happening outside of the facility,” Chad said. “Whether it’s media coverage, fan expectations, or comparisons to other players, he’s remained grounded. He has a great relationship with the other quarterbacks, and they all help each other. It’s all about improving together. That’s been key to his mindset in the quarterback battle — being part of a team, even if that team is competing for the starting job.”

Leadership and Learning

Another important element of Ty’s growth has been his leadership style. Despite not being the starter, Ty has become a natural leader in the locker room and on the field. His leadership extends beyond the quarterback room, as his work ethic and approach to learning have inspired his teammates. Chad shared that Ty’s ability to lead has been one of the qualities that has stood out the most.

“Ty has always been a leader,” Chad said. “Even when he wasn’t starting, he has been a guy that others look to. He leads by example with his work ethic, his preparation, and his willingness to help others. That’s something you don’t see with every player, especially with the amount of competition in that quarterback room. Ty never let being in a battle affect how he interacted with his teammates or his role as a leader.”

In addition to his leadership, Ty has taken every opportunity to learn from the coaches, especially Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. According to Chad, Ty has a deep respect for both men and their coaching methods, and he has made a point to absorb as much as possible from their expertise.

“Nick Saban doesn’t let anyone get complacent, and that’s exactly what Ty needs,” Chad noted. “Ty has learned so much from Coach Saban’s approach to coaching and leadership. And Coach O’Brien’s experience with quarterbacks has been invaluable. Ty listens, asks questions, and wants to get better. He’s been soaking it all in, even when things aren’t going his way on the field.”

Looking Ahead: Ty Simpson’s Future at Alabama

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Chad about his thoughts on Ty’s future at Alabama and what lies ahead for his son. The road to the starting quarterback job may not be easy, but Ty’s preparation, mental toughness, and leadership will continue to serve him well, according to Chad.

“Ty knows it’s a journey,” Chad said. “There’s no guarantee, but he’s ready for whatever comes next. Whether it’s this season or the next, he’s focused on developing as a player and a person. He loves Alabama, and he wants to win championships. He’s willing to wait his turn and prove he’s ready when the time comes.”

The future certainly looks bright for Ty Simpson, and his father’s words reflect a mindset rooted in resilience, leadership, and the understanding that competition is part of the journey — not the destination. As the quarterback battle at Alabama rages on, Ty Simpson’s experience and mental approach will undoubtedly continue to make him a central figure in the program for years to come.

Navigating a quarterback battle at Alabama is no easy feat. With competition from talented players, intense scrutiny, and high expectations, only the mentally strongest can thrive. Ty Simpson has handled the challenge with grace, maturity, and an unwavering focus on improvement. With his father’s guidance and his own determination, Ty has positioned himself as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the program’s future. As the battle continues, one thing is clear: Ty Simpson is ready for whatever comes next — and whatever it takes to lead Alabama back to greatness.