Alabama Quarterback Battle: Ty Simpson Holds Early Lead, But Competition Remains Fierce

With just 150 days remaining until Alabama’s highly anticipated season opener against the Florida State Seminoles, the quarterback competition for the Crimson Tide is still very much up in the air. However, former Alabama quarterback and national champion Greg McElroy believes there is an early frontrunner for the job.

Speaking on his podcast, Always College Football, McElroy offered his insight into the ongoing quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa. According to McElroy, Ty Simpson, who has been with Alabama since 2022, currently holds a firm grip on the starting quarterback position. “Right now, based on my understanding of what’s going on in Tuscaloosa, Ty has had a solid camp,” McElroy said. “He is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far.” McElroy added that Simpson’s experience gives him a clear advantage over his competition.

While Simpson appears to be the favorite at this early stage, McElroy noted that the battle for the backup role is still wide open. Austin Mack, who transferred to Alabama after the 2023 season, and five-star true freshman Keelon Russell are both vying for the No. 2 spot. “Those are the ones that are kind of competing for that No. 2 spot right now,” McElroy said. Despite the competition, it’s clear that Simpson has taken a commanding lead so far.

However, McElroy warned that the quarterback competition could evolve as the summer progresses. “Once we get into the summer, maybe that competition is extended,” he said. “Maybe one of those guys makes a leap and makes this thing super competitive down the stretch.” With over four months remaining until Alabama’s season opener, the competition is far from settled, and the Tide may not have a clear answer until the final days leading up to the game.

As for the public declaration of a starting quarterback, McElroy believes Alabama will likely keep their cards close to the vest. With only three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster—Simpson, Mack, and Russell—the Crimson Tide will likely avoid naming a starter too soon. “For fear that the fact there’s only three guys right now on scholarship, you lose one of the other two guys, now you’re down to two,” McElroy said. “If I were in charge of this quarterback competition, this thing is going all the way to Week 1.”

In the coming months, Simpson, Mack, and Russell will continue to battle it out, with the Tide’s quarterback future still very much uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who emerges as the leader of Alabama’s high-powered offense in 2025.