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Alabama QB Ty Simpson Was Originally Targeted by Another Powerhouse Program
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Alabama QB Ty Simpson Was Originally Targeted by Another Powerhouse Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Jeremy Lockett  |  Last updated Oct 4, 2025 9:04 AM ET

Highlights

  • Ty Simpson was once Clemson’s top QB target before choosing Alabama
  • Cade Klubnik has started three straight years at Clemson but the Tigers offense has regressed
  • Simpson, a first-year starter, just led Alabama past Georgia and now draws national attention

When Ty Simpson committed to Alabama in February 2021, he did so over Clemson, Tennessee and UT Martin.

“It was really between Alabama, Clemson and Tennessee,” Simpson told ESPN at the time.

“It was a super hard decision.” He leaned on the NFL development pipeline, Nick Saban’s track record and Bill O’Brien’s pro-style tutelage to guide him toward Tuscaloosa.

Ty Simpson was Clemson's first QB target in the 2022 class. After he committed to Bama, Clemson turned to Klubnik.

Ty Simpson’s Breakout in Tuscaloosa

Fast forward to 2025, and Simpson is finally Alabama’s starter.

His season began with growing pains — a shaky opener against Florida State — but just a couple weeks later he looked like a different quarterback in Alabama’s win over Georgia.

He threw efficiently, extended plays with his legs and commanded the offense with poise.

The turnaround didn’t just change the narrative around Simpson — many analysts argued Alabama looked like a team capable of beating Florida State if they played again.

Through five weeks, Simpson has over 1,100 yards, double-digit touchdowns and no interceptions, cementing his place as one of the SEC’s rising stars.

His development trajectory matches the recruiting pitch that led him to Alabama in the first place.

Cade Klubnik’s Senior Season at Clemson

Clemson pivoted to Cade Klubnik after missing on Simpson, and the Texas product has been the Tigers starter for three years.

Each season brought incremental growth, and Klubnik entered his senior year expected to finally lead Clemson back into the national spotlight. Instead, the offense has sputtered.

Not all the struggles fall on Klubnik, but quarterback play has been at the center of Clemson’s regression.

Mistimed throws, stalled drives and lack of explosive plays have limited the Tigers ceiling.

By now, as a senior and multi-year starter, Klubnik was supposed to be a steady force. Instead, questions about offensive direction and his ceiling continue to swirl.

Two Programs, Two Quarterback Realities

That’s where the “what if” factor hits hard. Clemson’s senior quarterback is steady but uninspiring, while Alabama’s first-year starter already looks like the kind of game-changer that can swing the SEC title race.

Had Clemson landed Simpson, its quarterback picture might look dramatically different.

His NFL-oriented development at Alabama has turned him into a rising commodity, while Clemson fans are left wondering whether a different choice in 2021 could have rewritten their current outlook.

Recruiting is always a gamble, but sometimes the contrast plays out on the biggest stage.

With College GameDay in Tuscaloosa this weekend, Ty Simpson is not just Alabama’s quarterback — he’s the subplot that highlights how one decision years ago is still shaping two powerhouse programs.

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

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