Alabama Insider Delivers Verdict on Ty Simpson’s Snub at SEC Media Days

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 1:45 PM ET

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was noticeably absent from the Crimson Tide's SEC Media Days lineup, sparking plenty of speculation about where he stands in the team’s quarterback battle. But according to AL.com’s Nick Kelly, there’s no need to read too much into it.

Appearing on the "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" podcast, Kelly was asked if he saw Simpson’s absence as a signal. “No, I didn’t,” he replied. “The group that they picked was very much what typically Alabama has done.”

Alabama chose to send only entrenched veteran starters to the event, which has been the standard for the program in recent years. Kelly continued, “They’re gonna go with guys that you’ve seen in front of the media before. So I wasn’t shocked. Anytime there’s been any sort of question about who the quarterback is, you’re not necessarily going to see him at SEC Media Days.”

With the quarterback battle still unresolved, head coach Kalen DeBoer hasn’t tipped his hand. Simpson, a redshirt junior who has been competing with true freshman Keelon Russell and Washington Huskies transfer Austin Mack, is firmly in the mix, even viewed as the favorite by some, but hasn’t locked down the starting role just yet.

That uncertainty is likely the key reason behind Simpson not getting the nod for SEC Media Days. While some fans took it as a sign he may be falling behind, Kelly said he believes Alabama’s choice was simply about sending proven, media-ready leaders.

Simpson has shown flashes of potential in limited action, and with fall approaching, the competition is still wide open. While his absence raised eyebrows, insiders like Kelly see it as business as usual for a program that likes to keep its cards close to the chest. For now, the verdict is simple: Don’t overreact.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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