Overview

• Multiple sources tell The Tuscaloosa News that Simpson has won the QB1 role and will start the Aug. 30 opener at Florida State.
• Coach Kalen DeBoer has not yet formally announced the choice but intends to confirm the starter after the second fall-camp scrimmage next week.
• Both Simpson and Austin Mack impressed in the first scrimmage with confident huddle command and flawless ball security, earning praise from DeBoer and former quarterback Greg McElroy.
• Five-star freshman Keelon Russell threw touchdown passes and protected the football but remains behind the two upperclassmen in readiness and play-calling consistency.
• All three contenders maintained completion rates around the program’s 65 percent benchmark and avoided interceptions throughout fall camp scrimmages.