Greg McElroy on QB Ty Simpson
Greg McElroy, a former quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide and national champion, has consistently expressed his belief that Ty Simpson is the frontrunner in Alabama’s quarterback competition. McElroy’s insights are particularly valuable, given his experience under Coach Nick Saban and his understanding of the program’s dynamics.On3+2Saturday Down South+2On3+2
Background on Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson, hailing from Martin, Tennessee, joined Alabama as a five-star recruit in the 2022 class. He was highly regarded as the No. 25 overall player and the No. 2 quarterback nationally. During his freshman year, Simpson appeared in four games, taking a redshirt to preserve eligibility. Despite limited playing time, his potential was evident, and he entered the subsequent seasons as a strong contender for the starting quarterback position.On3
McElroy’s Assessment of Simpson
In various discussions, McElroy has highlighted several factors that position Simpson as the leading candidate for the starting role:Athlon Sports+4On3+4Saturday Down South+4
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Consistency and Development: McElroy observed that while Simpson was adjusting during his initial year, there were noticeable improvements in his performance. He noted that Simpson’s accuracy stood out compared to other quarterbacks, and with continued development, he could excel in Alabama’s offensive system. On3+1Touchdown Alabama+1
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Understanding of the Offense: Drawing parallels to past quarterbacks under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, McElroy pointed out that Simpson’s profile aligns with the type of quarterbacks Rees has successfully coached. He mentioned that Simpson’s potential as a pocket passer with mobility fits well within the offensive strategies employed. On3
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Team Dynamics and Experience: McElroy referenced the 2014 quarterback battle between Blake Sims and Jake Coker to illustrate how Simpson’s familiarity with the team could influence the decision. He suggested that Simpson’s longer tenure with the program might give him an edge in securing the starting role. On3
Considerations on Other Contenders
While acknowledging Simpson’s strengths, McElroy also addressed the potential of other quarterbacks in the competition:
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Jalen Milroe: McElroy recognized Milroe’s athleticism and explosive playmaking abilities. However, he expressed concerns over Milroe’s turnover issues from the previous season, noting that such inconsistencies could impact his standing in the competition. Saturday Down South+3On3+3Touchdown Alabama+3On3+2Saturday Down South+2Saturday Down South+2
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Tyler Buchner: Discussing Buchner’s late arrival following his transfer from Notre Dame, McElroy highlighted the challenges of integrating into a new system with limited time. He pointed out that building rapport with teammates and mastering the playbook within a short timeframe could hinder Buchner’s chances of securing the starting position. On3+3Saturday Down South+3On3+3On3+1On3+1
Recent Developments
As of March 2025, McElroy reiterated his belief that a discernible gap exists between Simpson and the other quarterbacks in the competition. He expressed interest in witnessing Simpson’s growth as a leader and his ability to adapt to the demands of Alabama’s offense. McElroy noted that Simpson’s mobility and athleticism, previously underestimated, could be valuable assets in the upcoming season. On3+4Touchdown Alabama+4Yardbarker+4Yardbarker
Greg McElroy’s insights provide a comprehensive perspective on Ty Simpson’s potential as Alabama’s starting quarterback. His analysis considers factors such as Simpson’s development, fit within the offensive system, and experience with the team. While acknowledging the talents of other contenders, McElroy’s assessments suggest that Simpson’s trajectory aligns with the expectations of a starting quarterback at Alabama.
