Ty Simpson hopes to take over as Alabama’s starting QB next season

Ty Simpson will be on the sidelines when Alabama hosts Auburn in the Iron Bowl this weekend. His next appearance at Bryant-Denny Stadium could then be as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.

Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has spent the last two seasons backing up Jalen Milroe. With Milroe projected by many to be a first-round pick in next year’s draft, Alabama could have another chance behind center.

If so, Simpson believes he’s ready to step in.

“Hopefully next year my job will be to be the guy,” Simpson told the Crimson Tide Sports Network in an interview published Tuesday.

Simpson chose to remain with the team this past offseason despite losing out to Milroe for the starting job last fall. In six appearances this season, he completed 14 of 25 passes (56%) for 167 yards while adding 44 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

His most extensive action came against Mercer earlier this month, when he completed 5 of 10 passes for 71 yards while leading Alabama on two second-half drives.

“I felt like I was a different player,” Simpson said. “I felt like I still grew a lot. Having the opportunity to go on those two drives and kind of play freely and just play ball felt really good. It felt like I was back in high school. I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence.” I’m back to myself and I’m just looking forward to getting more chances.

Simpson said he has adapted well to Alabama’s new offense under Kalen DeBoer and NickSheridan, explaining that it has allowed him to play more freely on the field.

“I think the biggest thing that I really enjoyed is how much they want you to play,” Simpson said. “For the first few years I didn’t feel robotic, but I almost felt like I wasn’t playing as freely because I wanted to do things exactly that way… They really emphasized that and kind of told me, ‘Man, easy .’ play.'”

While Simpson has only been involved in 71 snaps this season, he spoke to CTSN about the progress he’s made behind the scenes and focused on being ready to step in for Milroe at a moment’s notice.

“My job is to make sure the offense doesn’t miss a beat if something happens to Jalen,” Simpson said. “Whether it’s in practice, warmups or anything like that, I know the guys have confidence in me and say, ‘Okay, Jalen’s out.’ We’re definitely going to go down and win the game even if Ty’s there.”

Despite his complementary role on the field, Simpson believes he has already taken on a leadership role in the locker room.

“Being a quarterback and also an older man, my voice is just as important as the star players and will be heard just as much as theirs,” Simpson said. “I think it’s my job – even when I’m not playing – to make sure these guys know the standards and how we do things here.”

Simpson signed with Alabama as the No. 35 overall player and No. 3 prospect quarterback in the 2022 class. Outside of Milroe, the Tide’s quarterback room also includes redshirt freshmen Dylan Lonergan and Washington transfer Austin Mack. Alabama also adds five-star quarterback Keelon Russell, who is next year’s No. 3 overall player and highest-rated pro quarterback.