Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Legendary SEC QB Delivers Clear Verdict on Ty Simpson As Alabama QB Battle Intensifies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 23, 2025 3:24 PM ET

The battle waging in Alabama's quarterback room rages on, with no clear winner named. However, the Crimson Tide does have a perceived frontrunner in Ty Simpson, a veteran entering his fourth season with the SEC powerhouse.

The 22-year-old signal-caller has no starts and only a smattering of playing experience, so he and Alabama's other quarterbacks all have something to prove.

Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, who played with the Bulldogs from 2009 to 2013, appeared on On3's show hosted by J.D. PicKell and discussed Simpson and how all players deserve the time to develop.

"(One wonders) is (Ty Simpson) going to be the guy? But then you have to remember, football players develop." Murray explained there is room for optimism with Alabama's quarterback development. "Football players and great coaches take players and hopefully take them to another level.

"The goal and hope (is that) Ty Simpson has matured over the past couple years. He's continued to develop as a quarterback. Maybe he's a more schematic fit for (offensive coordinator Ben) Grubb and (head coach Kalen) DeBoer and what they're trying to do."

Murray, a fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2014 NFL Draft, continued to explain that the larger issue with the Crimson Tide offense in recent years was its inability to dominate inside or outside.

He highlighted bruising offensive line and running back combinations spearheaded by players like Derrick Henry, who could pound defenses. Murray also mentioned other seasons where Alabama had several dynamic wide receivers, like the seasons dominated by Tua Tagovailoa, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Jameson Williams.

Instead, as Murray explained, the program is asking more and more from its quarterbacks because it doesn't have any elite running backs, offensive linemen or wide receivers besides sophomore Ryan Williams.

Simpson competes with true freshman Keelon Russell and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, who came over with DeBoer from the University of Washington.

The Crimson Tide begins their 2025 college football season on the road against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, August 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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

More must-reads: