How the Crimson Tide’s signal-caller turned potential into dominance and climbed to the top of college football’s quarterback ranks
In a landscape crowded with star quarterbacks, Ty Simpson of Alabama has begun to distinguish himself not just as a promising talent, but as one of the most complete signal-callers in the sport today. His poise, accuracy, and football intelligence are fueling a case that he already belongs near the top of college football’s quarterback hierarchy.
Simpson entered the 2025 season under some skepticism. He won the starting job over Austin Mack and Keelon Russell in August after serving largely as a backup in previous years. But from the opening week, Simpson made a statement: he threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a road loss to Florida State, completing 23 of 43 attempts with zero interceptions.
That was only the prelude. In subsequent games, Simpson’s play has grown sharper. Against Wisconsin, he completed 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns, an 83 percent clip. Versus Georgia, he threw for 276 yards and two scores, and engineered a clean outing across 24 of 38 attempts. In Alabama’s recent win over Missouri, Simpson added another signature moment—he delivered 200 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a critical fourth-and-eight conversion late in the game to seal the victory.
Through six games, Simpson’s efficiency is eye-catching. He has completed 134 of 189 passes, a 70.9 percent rate, for 1,678 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only one interception. His quarterback rating ranks among the nation’s best, and his decision making under pressure has drawn praise from scouts and analysts across the SEC.
What sets Simpson apart?
- Accuracy under duress. Many quarterbacks play clean when the pass rush is tame, but Simpson repeatedly threads tight windows under pressure. His completion percentage on deep throws and on third downs has set him apart among peers in the SEC and nationwide. In CBS Sports’ latest power rankings, he now ranks No. 1 among FBS quarterbacks.
- Pocket awareness and processing. Simpson doesn’t shy from chaos. He recognizes blitzes, slides within the pocket, and resets his eyes on the move. He’s been compared to early-career quarterbacks who blend intellect with mobility. His chemistry with receivers like Isaiah Horton, Ryan Williams, and Germie Bernard has elevated Alabama’s passing game to one of the most efficient in the country.
- Restraint and ball security. In an era when interceptions kill drives and careers, Simpson has kept mistakes minimal. Through high-stakes games, he’s shown the discipline to protect the ball. His lone interception this season came on a tipped pass—an example of how rare his true miscues have been.
- He doesn’t need to run—but he can. Simpson’s mobility is not his defining feature, but it’s a weapon. He’s picked up key first downs with his legs and escapes collapsing pockets to extend plays—a wrinkle that keeps defenses honest. Against Wisconsin, he added 25 rushing yards on six attempts. Still, Alabama’s ground game has been inconsistent, often leaving Simpson to carry the offense’s load.
- Championship-level stakes. Simpson is not operating in a low-pressure environment. He faces SEC defenses, hostile road stadiums, and expectations that Alabama remain a national contender. In that context, his performances mean more. CBS recently ranked him as the nation’s top quarterback, and he currently sits near the top of early Heisman odds.
Still, challenges remain. This is Simpson’s first year as Alabama’s starting quarterback, and with that comes the learning curve of leading one of college football’s most scrutinized programs. He has yet to navigate a full season without the natural ups and downs that test new starters. Alabama also must stabilize its running game to keep defenses from keying solely on him. Even so, Simpson has already shown enough composure and consistency to convince most observers that he’s not just filling the role—he’s owning it.
In a sport where quarterbacks often hit their stride in their second or third year as starters, Simpson is ahead of schedule. If he maintains this trajectory, he won’t just be one of the best quarterbacks right now—he could redefine Alabama’s standard under center, carry the Crimson Tide deep into the playoff hunt, and cement his place among college football’s elite.
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