Ty Simpson may step in as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide until Keelon Russell is ready to take over the role.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the most successful and storied programs in college football, is known for its consistently high level of play, particularly at the quarterback position. Over the years, Alabama has produced numerous NFL-caliber quarterbacks who have made a mark both at the college level and in the professional ranks. As the 2025 season approaches, there’s a fresh set of eyes on the quarterback position for the Crimson Tide. Two names that are expected to be central to the team’s future are Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell, who are vying for the opportunity to lead the team on the field.

Every college football season, there’s always anticipation surrounding the quarterback competition for top-tier programs. Alabama, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, is no exception. While the team has traditionally relied on stellar defensive play, a robust running game, and special teams to secure victories, the quarterback is always seen as a key figure in determining the success of the offense.

At Alabama, there has been a noticeable shift in the last decade towards having a dynamic quarterback who can change the game with both his arm and his legs. With the departure of several high-profile quarterbacks, including Bryce Young, who went on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Alabama is once again faced with the task of finding its next star at quarterback. The 2025 season provides an interesting new chapter in the Crimson Tide’s quest to secure another championship, and much of that will depend on how well the team handles its quarterback situation.

Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit from Tennessee, has been one of the most highly touted quarterbacks to enter the Alabama program in recent years. Simpson came to Alabama with a reputation for his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He enrolled at Alabama with big expectations on his shoulders, and the pressure to succeed was immediate, given the school’s championship aspirations.

In 2024, Simpson had the opportunity to showcase his skills in limited action, but the competition for the starting job has always been fierce in Tuscaloosa. While Simpson displayed flashes of brilliance, he also had moments where his consistency needed improvement. However, many believe that he has the tools necessary to become the next great Alabama quarterback. His ability to make deep throws, combined with his athleticism to extend plays with his legs, is something that has caught the attention of coaches, teammates, and fans alike.

Given his experience and the trust that Alabama’s coaching staff has in him, Simpson has the inside track to be the starter for the 2025 season. His experience in the system, knowledge of the playbook, and physical tools make him a logical candidate to take the reins for the team. His leadership will be tested early, but the coaching staff feels confident that Simpson can guide the Crimson Tide offense through a challenging schedule.

However, his time as QB1 may not be set in stone. The potential rise of Keelon Russell could make for an interesting quarterback battle throughout the season.

Keelon Russell is a player who has been slowly building a reputation as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. Coming out of high school, Russell was known for his tremendous arm strength, quick release, and ability to make throws into tight windows. His combination of physical traits and football IQ made him an enticing recruit for Alabama, and the coaching staff has been eager to bring him along.

While Russell has not yet had the same level of experience at the college level as Simpson, his potential cannot be overlooked. Many insiders and analysts have noted that Russell possesses a higher ceiling than many of his peers, and if he continues to develop at the pace expected of him, he could soon be ready to step into a starting role.

It is not uncommon for top programs like Alabama to have multiple talented quarterbacks, and the competition for the starting spot can often come down to nuances in development. In the case of Russell, the staff seems content to bring him along slowly, giving him time to refine his skills and gain a deeper understanding of the offense. The coaches will undoubtedly make sure that Russell is ready for the physical and mental demands of being Alabama’s starting quarterback before they hand him the keys to the offense.

This development timeline means that, while Russell’s potential is immense, it’s unlikely that he’ll be immediately thrust into the starting role unless Simpson falters or injury strikes. However, Alabama fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the day when Russell’s readiness meets the opportunity, and he becomes a key figure in the Tide’s future.

In the 2025 season, the coaching staff at Alabama might elect to go with Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback initially, with the understanding that Keelon Russell could eventually take over. Simpson, with his experience and development over the last few years, would likely be the safest choice to start the season. His familiarity with the team and the system gives him an edge, and it would allow the coaches to play it safe while continuing to evaluate Russell’s progress.

Russell, meanwhile, could be given time to develop further, learn from Simpson, and continue to refine his game. This process of gradual development has worked well for Alabama in the past with quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, who both spent time learning and waiting for their opportunity before becoming stars for the program. The same could be true for Russell.

Alabama’s approach may see Simpson starting for the early part of the season, getting key game experience, and maintaining the team’s success. If Simpson performs well, he could hold onto the job throughout the year. However, if Simpson struggles or Russell’s development accelerates, there’s always the possibility that Russell will take over the job midway through the season, especially if the team is in need of a spark.

This type of scenario allows Alabama to balance its desire to win immediately with its need to develop long-term talent. If Russell is not quite ready to start from day one, the team will have the security of a proven quarterback in Simpson while allowing the younger player to develop at a more manageable pace.

Alabama’s football success in recent years has been defined by its balanced approach to both sides of the ball. While the defense has traditionally been among the best in the country under defensive coordinator Pete Golding, the Crimson Tide has also seen offensive growth with the rise of quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Young. For Alabama to remain competitive for championships, the quarterback position must remain a focal point.

Strong quarterback play is paramount for the team’s offensive success, particularly as college football becomes increasingly more focused on high-powered, up-tempo offenses. With the SEC being one of the toughest conferences in the country, having a quarterback who can perform in clutch moments, lead the team in high-pressure situations, and execute a complex offense is essential. This is why the battle between Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell is of such significance.

The Crimson Tide needs a quarterback who can handle the pressures of big games, whether it’s an early-season test against a ranked opponent or the ultimate challenge in the College Football Playoff. Given the intensity of the competition in the SEC and the eyes of the nation always watching, Alabama cannot afford to have a quarterback situation that is unresolved for too long. This is why both Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell are crucial to the team’s aspirations in 2025 and beyond.

The quarterback position at Alabama has been a topic of great interest and debate for the better part of the past decade. With Ty Simpson leading the way as a potential starter and Keelon Russell waiting in the wings, the Crimson Tide is in an enviable position. Both players have immense potential and could lead the team to glory.

In the short term, Simpson seems poised to start, offering the team experience and leadership in the early part of the 2025 season. However, as Russell continues to develop, the future of Alabama’s quarterback position is as bright as ever. The next chapter in the Alabama Crimson Tide football story will be written by one or both of these young quarterbacks, and fans are excited to see who will take the reins as the next great Alabama signal-caller.

No matter who ends up as the starter, the Alabama Crimson Tide is in a strong position to continue competing for national championships, thanks to the depth of talent at the quarterback position. The battle between Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell is just one piece of a larger puzzle, but it is a crucial one that will shape the team’s future for years to come.