Overview

• Alabama officially named redshirt junior Ty Simpson its Week 1 starter for the Aug. 30 season opener at Florida State after a multi-week fall camp competition.
• Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb cited Simpson’s decision-making, poise and ball security during scrimmages as the primary factors in awarding him the starting role.
• Simpson enters his first career start with limited in-game experience—29 of 50 passing for 381 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions—but has earned praise from coaches and teammates for his leadership.
• The staff has not finalized its No. 2 quarterback, leaving redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell to continue competing for backup duties.
• The move resolves the immediate opener question while preserving developmental runway for Mack and Russell and underscores DeBoer’s emphasis on stability and careful quarterback succession.