Alabama QB Ty Simpson on his decision to stay at Alabama as Jalen Milroe’s backup instead of entering the transfer portal like many others have.

In an era where the NCAA transfer portal has become as busy as the NFL offseason, and quarterbacks are changing jerseys faster than ever before, Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson has taken a dramatically different route — one rooted in loyalty, growth, and patience. Rather than join the mass exodus of high-profile quarterbacks seeking immediate starting roles elsewhere, Simpson has made a conscious and, in many ways, countercultural decision: he’s staying in Tuscaloosa.

Despite playing behind established starter Jalen Milroe, and despite receiving significant interest from other Power Five programs during recent portal windows, Simpson never submitted his name. The former five-star recruit from Tennessee, once considered the future of the Crimson Tide offense, is choosing development over detours.

“I came to Alabama to compete,” Simpson said in an exclusive interview with Crimson Tide media. “I didn’t come here for guarantees. I came here to get better every single day — and to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Simpson arrived at Alabama in 2022 as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, known for his quick release, football IQ, and athleticism. At the time, Bryce Young was still the unquestioned starter and reigning Heisman winner. Simpson redshirted that year, learning behind Young and then joining a three-man quarterback competition with Milroe and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner in 2023.

While Milroe ultimately won the starting job and led the Tide to an SEC title and College Football Playoff appearance, Simpson flashed promise in limited action — showing poise, accuracy, and command of the offense during spring and fall camps.

Still, in today’s climate — where sitting even a year is often considered a red flag — Simpson’s decision to remain second on the depth chart raised eyebrows.

“For me, it came down to trust,” Simpson said. “I trust the coaches here. I trust the system. And I trust that my time will come.”

He cited deep conversations with head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, who both assured him of his importance to Alabama’s future. More importantly, they didn’t offer hollow promises — just honest evaluations and a clear plan for growth.

“They never sugarcoated anything,” Simpson said. “Coach DeBoer told me, ‘You’re one play away, and I believe in your talent.’ That meant the world.”

Simpson’s decision was also shaped by family values. His father, Jason Simpson, is the head football coach at UT Martin and instilled in Ty the importance of patience, perseverance, and earning your role the right way.

“My dad always said, ‘Don’t be in a rush to leave somewhere great.’ And Alabama is great,” Simpson noted.

Simpson’s decision stands in stark contrast to many of his peers. The 2023–24 offseason saw more than 25 FBS quarterbacks from blue blood programs enter the portal, including former starters and top recruits. Some landed lucrative NIL deals, while others simply sought playing time.

But Simpson isn’t chasing a shortcut. He’s chasing mastery.

“There’s something powerful about staying and fighting,” he said. “There’s something about finishing what you started — even when it’s hard.”

He added that the transfer portal has become a “valuable tool” for many athletes and that he respects those who use it, but emphasized that his story — and his goals — are different.

“I didn’t want to run. I wanted to learn.”

Far from being tense or competitive in a toxic way, Simpson describes his relationship with Milroe as one of “mutual respect and genuine friendship.”

“Jalen is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever been around,” Simpson said. “He’s a warrior. And we push each other to be better every day.”

That camaraderie has been evident in practices, meetings, and sideline interactions. The two quarterbacks are often seen going over plays together, hyping each other up, and offering feedback.

Milroe has praised Simpson publicly, calling him “the most prepared backup in the country.”

“I know if I ever go down, this team is in great hands,” Milroe said earlier this spring.

Simpson, in turn, says he’s grown tremendously just by observing Milroe’s command, leadership, and toughness. “He’s teaching me every day — even if he doesn’t know it.”

While Simpson remains second on the depth chart for now, Alabama fans got a preview of his potential during the A-Day spring game and select in-game appearances. His mechanics are crisp, his reads sharp, and his confidence has only grown.

Multiple analysts believe Simpson could be QB1 material at almost any other program in the country.

“If Ty Simpson were anywhere else, he’d probably be a starter by now,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “But he’s betting on development over ego — and in the long run, that could make all the difference.”

Simpson has also received quiet praise from NFL scouts, several of whom are watching how he matures under DeBoer’s pass-friendly system. Many expect him to either push for the starting job post-Milroe or explode if ever given the chance mid-season.

And should he get that opportunity?

“I’ll be ready,” Simpson said plainly.

In an age when Alabama is fighting to uphold its standard post-Saban, Simpson’s presence — and persistence — represents the kind of player the new regime wants to build around: talented, grounded, and team-first.

“He’s got every intangible we value,” said Coach DeBoer. “Work ethic. Leadership. Poise. And most of all — loyalty.”

DeBoer noted that in today’s college football landscape, “retention is as valuable as recruiting.” And Simpson is the kind of homegrown leader who sets the tone in the locker room and meeting rooms alike.

Simpson’s decision to stay has also resonated with younger players — especially incoming freshmen — who view him as a stabilizing figure.

“Ty never complains,” said freshman receiver Jaylen Mbakwe. “He just works. He’s a dude we all look up to.”

Asked whether NIL played a role in his decision to stay or go, Simpson acknowledged that while opportunities existed elsewhere, his focus remained on long-term success — not short-term money.

“I’ve been blessed with some NIL support here,” he said. “But I never wanted dollars to be the reason I left. I want to make my legacy on the field — not just in a deal.”

He’s currently partnered with a few Alabama-based companies and participates in charity work with local youth football leagues, a nod to his community-first mindset.

Simpson hopes his story offers a counterexample in a world of instant gratification. He encourages young quarterbacks not to view sitting or redshirting as a setback.

“Don’t rush your journey,” he said. “Sometimes the hard road is the right one.”

He pointed to NFL greats like Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow, and even Jalen Hurts — all of whom faced adversity, sat behind others, or transferred late — but emerged stronger because of it.

“The process can’t be skipped. It has to be lived.”

For now, Ty Simpson is focused on helping Alabama win — whether that means coming off the bench, leading practice reps, or studying film late into the night.

And while the spotlight may not be his yet, he’s not discouraged.

“I’m right where I need to be,” he said, smiling. “And when the moment comes — and it will — I’ll be ready to lead this team. That’s the standard here. That’s what I signed up for.”

In a college football landscape filled with movement, hype, and distraction, Ty Simpson is proving that sometimes, the strongest decision a player can make — is to stay.