AJ McCarron tells why Alabama football’s starting quarterback job is ‘Ty Simpson’s to lose’

3/31/25 MFB Spring practice SimpsonTy_MillerJa Photo by Kent Gidley

Former Alabama quarterback, AJ McCarron feels the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback job is Ty Simpson’s to lose.

Simpson, Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are competing for the starting quarterback job. The competition is still ongoing as the summer approaches.

McCarron feels Simpson is in the driver’s seat ahead of fall camp.

“I think it’s Ty’s job to lose,” McCarron said at the Regions Golf Tournament on Wednesday. “He’s been there. He’s put in the work. Players respect him, and he’s talented. He’s a great kid. I wish him nothing but the best.

McCarron started at quarterback for Alabama for three seasons, winning two National Championships as the Tide’s starting signal-caller. He shared he has had conversations with Simpson about what it takes to be the starting quarterback at Alabama.

“That’s what me and Ty talked about before,” said McCarron. “Just the pressure playing at Alabama and expectations. It comes with it. It’s what you signed up for. It’s what makes Alabama such a special place to play. Like I tell him, pressure creates diamonds. So, go out, have fun, do what you’ve done your whole life playing the game, and then let the chips fall where they fall.”

The former Alabama signal-caller went on to express why he feels the way Simpson approaches the game will help him if he wins the starting quarterback job.

“Just a level-headed kid and you need that,” McCarron said. “Not only playing in the SEC playing the quarterback position, but playing at Alabama. So, being able to stay even-keeled as much as possible. You got to be able to take the good with the bad. It’s not to beat you all up, but from a media standpoint, like you don’t win by 30, it’s not the greatest game ever. So, just understanding taking a win is a win and staying even-keeled and just having fun.”

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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting & Managing Editor for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith