1. Introduction
Ty Simpson, the former five-star quarterback from Martin, Tennessee, has emerging as a prominent figure at Alabama. His decision to stay loyal to the Crimson Tide, combined with his recruiting pedigree and statistical development, sets the stage for a potentially defining 2025 season. This article explores his journey through the lens of Recruiting, the legacy of Bear Bryant, insights from Rivals, his Stats, and perspectives from 247 Sports.
2. Recruiting: From Five-Star to QB1
Simpson burst onto the national scene at Westview High School, earning Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year honors after a junior season that featured 2,827 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and 862 rushing yards with 11 TDs. He entered college as a coveted five-star recruit, rated among the top ~30 prospects nationwide by 247Sports 247SportsWikipedia.
Despite offers from top programs like Clemson and Tennessee, Simpson committed to Alabama, citing the program’s unmatched prestige and personal connections:
“They call it Title Town for a reason… I couldn’t see [my teammates] on another sideline with me wearing another jersey.” . Bear Bryant’s Shadow: A Legacy of Excellence
While Simpson has no direct familial or playing ties to Bear Bryant, his decision to stay at Alabama—through coaching transitions and limited playing time—echoes the spirit of loyalty and perseverance associated with Bryant’s era. The Crimson Tide’s tradition still looms large, and Simpson’s commitment amid the hype of modern transfer culture underscores that legacy.
Bryant’s storied tenure (1958–1982) set Alabama’s standard for toughness and success; Simpson’s journey reflects a new generation honoring that culture, even as college football evolves.
4. Rivals’ Framework: How Five-Star is Defined
By Rivals’ metrics, a five-star recruit falls into the elite echelon, typically within the top 30–35 players nationally and with strong NFL projection, often evaluated around a 6.1 rating. Simpson’s rating signified both immense potential and immediate visibility, giving him a platform few young quarterbacks receive.
5. Stats: Growth, Patience, and Trajectory
High School Highlights
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Emphasized above in his junior-year totals: 2,827 yards, 41 passing TDs; 862 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs.
College Performance
| Season | Games Played | Comp-Att | Pct | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | QB Rating | Rushing Att-Yards-TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 1–2 | 50.0% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 138.8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 11–20 | 55.0% | 179 | 0 | 0 | 130.2 | 14–86–2 |
| 2024 | 6 | 14–25 | 56.0% | 167 | 0 | 0 | 112.1 | 8–44–1 |
| Career | 16 | 29–50 | 58.0% | 381 | 0 | 0 | 122.0 | 22–130–3 |
Although Simpson has yet to throw a passing touchdown in college, his steady passing efficiency, growing rushing impact, and zero interceptions show a careful, calculated style—an attribute recognized by Alabama’s coaching staff.
6. 247 Sports Insight & Alabama’s Trust
Leading up to the 2025 season, 247Sports reported that Simpson was the frontrunner to succeed Jalen Milroe as Alabama’s starting QB. Simpson expressed confidence in the direction of his career:
“Hopefully next year, that will be my job…”
He remained focused and grounded through spring and summer, receiving praise for ball security, leadership, and demeanor
7. 2025 Breakout: Officially Named Starting QB
On August 12, 2025, Ty Simpson was officially named Alabama’s starting quarterback for the season opener against Florida State on August 30
Coach Kalen DeBoer cited Simpson’s confidence, composure, explosive playmaking, and growth since spring as key reasons. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and teammates emphasized his character and room unity: Mack, his QB competitor, praised the respectful and inclusive leadership Simpson displayed
8. Conclusion
Ty Simpson’s ascent from elite high school recruit to Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2025 showcases a trajectory marked by resilience, identity, and performance. He anchors a quarterback room—and a program—in transition, bridging Alabama’s storied past under Bear Bryant with a promising future.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how his passing accuracy, decision-making, and dual-threat potential translate when the lights shine brightest. As Simpson steps into QB1 territory, his blend of legacy, metrics, and character makes him a figure worth tracking all season long.
