DeBoer provides details on decision to sit Ty Simpson in Rose Bowl

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Austin Mack (10) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As the Crimson Tide trotted back onto the field halfway through the third quarter, it became a surprising moment as fans saw quarterback Austin Mack take the field in place of Ty Simpson.

Simpson has had his struggles all season, but not once did head coach Kalen DeBoer make a change at the position, even when Alabama found itself down 21-0 to Georgia a few weeks ago.

That was why it came as a surprise when Mack took the field late in the game. However, DeBoer said that it was more of a health-related decision rather than a performance-related one.

“Ty had an injury, obviously,” Simpson said. “He really wanted to try to go out there. Treated him there at halftime, and he gave it a series. I know he feels like he let down the team, and there’s no way that that’s the case. He went out there and tried to battle, and that’s who he is. So, I’m never going to let that be a thing, where he let us down in any way. So, making sure he knows that. Austin, being ready to go, he did some nice things when he got on the football field there tonight. Just getting put in a tough spot when you’re trying to catch up, and it’s the third quarter already. So, again, proud of all of our team, but that was the situation with Ty.”

Mack did well once he saw the field, recording 11 completions on 16 attempts for 103 yards. He also led the team down the field to kick a field goal, allowing the Tide to escape a shutout.

On top of that, although he only played less than half of the game, he still recorded 36 more passing yards than Simpson, averaging 2.2 more yards per completion.

With Mack closing the game out, it will be interesting to see if fans get to see the Simpson era get put to bed or if there’s still some left in store for the junior quarterback.