National media outlet speculates that former Tennessee recruiting target could transfer from Alabama after 2023 season

247Sports speculated this week that a former Tennessee Vols recruiting target could transfer from Alabama after the 2023 season. 

When Josh Heupel arrived in Knoxville in early 2021, one of the first items on his to-do list was recruiting five-star quarterback Ty Simpson. 

Simpson, a Martin, TN native, was rated as the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee in the 2022 recruiting class. 

Heupel and his staff made some significant progress with Simpson, but ultimately, the Vols didn't have enough time, or proof that their vision would work in the SEC, to land the talented quarterback. Simpson committed to Alabama in late February, just a month after Heupel was hired to replace Jeremy Pruitt. 

Simpson, who is in his second year at Alabama, has thrown just 16 passes for the Crimson Tide. With Jalen Milroe seemingly locked in as Alabama's starter moving forward (which would presumably include the 2024 season, his redshirt junior year), it's not far-fetched to think that Simpson could look to escape Tuscaloosa in search of playing time. 

From 247Sports: Milroe is somewhat limited in terms of opening up the passing game but he’s hit downfield targets at a consistent clip. His teammates seem to love him. Second-year freshman Ty Simpson came in 2022 as a highly touted prospect from Tennessee and could look elsewhere for greener pastures.

For now, this is just speculation. Alabama could choose to have an open quarterback competition in the offseason and Simpson could have a chance to win the job. Or he could look to leave Alabama immediately after the season to get a jump on winning the starting job with another program (if that's his plan, then joining a program before spring practice starts will be incredibly important). 

Regardless of what happens with Simpson this offseason, one thing seems certain -- he probably won't be transferring to Tennessee. 

Everyone knows that the quarterback job at Tennessee in 2024 belongs to Nico Iamaleava. The Vols are also bringing in 2024 four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger, a player that Tennessee's staff really likes. Simpson would have to learn Heupel's system, which isn't easy, while taking a backseat to at least Nico. 

Tennessee would be wise to find another quarterback in the transfer portal this offseason -- having just two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster is never ideal. But if they do add a quarterback, it likely won't be Simpson.