Legendary Alabama QB Predicts New Starter Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated May 16, 2025 9:00 AM ET

With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL , the Alabama Crimson Tide are figuring out who will play quarterback for them this upcoming season. The contenders for Kalen DeBoer's starting gig are Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell.

Former Alabama signal-caller A.J. McCarron, who won a pair of national titles operating Nick Saban's offense, views the choice as a no-brainer.

"I think it's Ty's job to lose," McCarron said Wednesday. "He's been there, he's put in the work, players respect him, and he's talented. He's a great kid, and I wish him nothing but the best."

247Sports rated Simpson a five-star passer coming out of high school. He's seen game action with the Crimson Tide, but hasn't yet been able to realize the pressure that comes with leading the team.

"That's what me and Ty have talked about before," McCarron said. "Just the pressure of playing at Alabama and expectations, right? So, listen, it comes with it. It's what you signed up for, it's what makes Alabama such a special place to play, I think. Like I tell him, 'Pressure creates diamonds, so go out, have fun, do what you've done your whole life playing the game, and then let the chips fall where they fall."

Simpson's maturity and composure stand out to McCarron.

"I think he's just a level-headed kid, and you need that," McCarron said. "Not only playing in the SEC, playing the quarterback position, but playing at Alabama. So, being able to stay even-keeled as much as possible, you know, and you've gotta be able to take the good with the bad."

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

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