University of Alabama head coach Kalen Deboer. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Alabama reportedly makes decision on starting QB for 2025 season

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The No. 8-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide have reportedly made a huge decision as it relates to the 2025 season.

Alabama came into fall camp knowing that there would be a quarterback battle to find out who would be the successor to Jalen Milroe, who was a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide.

In the running were redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt freshman Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell.

Despite not having a start under his belt in three seasons with the program, Simpson has been seen as the odds-on favorite to win the starting job because of his experience and time in Tuscaloosa. It's not official yet, but Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports is reporting that the decision has been made by head coach Kalen DeBoer.

It's going to be Simpson leading the Crimson Tide out of the tunnel for Week 1's huge matchup against Florida State in Tallahassee.

Alabama is expected to name Ty Simpson as its starting quarterback, sources tell me and @chris_hummer for @CBSSports.

Former five-star recruit who waited his turn the last few years. Now in line to get his opportunity to the Crimson Tide’s starting QB. pic.twitter.com/1KUIGlTWSX
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 11, 2025

Though he's never started a game, Simpson has seen action in 16 contests since joining Alabama as a five-star quarterback out of Martin, Tennessee.

He was recruited by Nick Saban to come to Tuscaloosa and chose the Crimson Tide over the likes of Tennessee and Clemson. According to the 247Sports Composite, he was the No. 3 quarterback in the 2022 class. Only Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Conner Weigman (Texas A&M) were ranked higher.

Simpson has completed 29-of-50 career attempts with no touchdowns and no interceptions thrown, so he's nearly a blank slate for DeBoer and the Alabama offense.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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