Alabama football is in a good space for its first year under Kalen DeBoer, especially in one category.
It has a concrete starting and backup quarterback for games at “Saban Field” at Bryant-Denny Stadium and on the road.
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Jalen Milroe is the unquestioned leader and starter for the Crimson Tide. He returns after a strong 2023 campaign with 2,834 passing yards, 513 rushing yards, and 35 total touchdowns. Milroe guided the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff berth, yet he is looking for more. The native Texan is set to send a message to the nation this fall.
Ty Simpson, who enters his third year at the University of Alabama, could have left the program via the transfer portal.
He remained with the team to learn from Coach DeBoer and wants to help him win a national title. Simpson, a former five-star from the 2022 recruiting class, has improved a lot. He delivered big-play abilities in the passing game on A-Day, completing seven of 12 attempts for 102 yards. Simpson showcased his ability to throw on the run, extend plays, and have a sharp mental clock.
His offseason growth and better understanding of DeBoer’s offense has him as the concrete backup to Milroe.
Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack are talented, but Simpson is ahead of both. The 6-foot-2, 203-pounder gained valuable experience last year in six games. Tyler Buchner, a former Alabama quarterback, struggled in 2023 when he got the start against South Florida on the road. Simpson came in the game and engineered two scoring drives to help the Tide capture a 17-3 victory.
He took advantage of an opportunity then, and it will continue in fall camp. Should something happen to Milroe — and hopefully nothing does — the coaching staff has confidence in Simpson to operate the offense.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
