Kalen DeBoer Shares Insight on Why Ty Simpson Could Emerge as Alabama Crimson Tide’s Next Starting Quarterback

As the Alabama Crimson Tide enters a pivotal season under head coach Nick Saban, all eyes are on the quarterback battle. With the departure of star quarterback Bryce Young, the Tide is searching for the next leader to guide its offense. Two strong candidates have emerged in Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, but the hype surrounding Simpson, in particular, has grown louder. One of the most influential voices on Simpson’s potential has been Kalen DeBoer, a highly regarded offensive mind with vast experience in the collegiate ranks. DeBoer, now the head coach at Washington, has spoken at length about why Simpson could be the next signal-caller to take Alabama to new heights.

DeBoer, who has coached several top quarterbacks throughout his career, is no stranger to identifying quarterback talent. He’s worked with players at multiple stops, including at Fresno State and now with the Washington Huskies, where his reputation as an offensive guru continues to shine. His analysis of quarterbacks is thorough, and his insights into the quarterback position, especially those with unique skill sets like Simpson, provide a valuable perspective on why the Crimson Tide may be leaning toward the sophomore as their next starter.

A Quick Rise for Simpson

Ty Simpson’s journey to Alabama was marked by tremendous promise. A 5-star recruit out of Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, Simpson was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks of the 2022 recruiting class. Known for his poise in the pocket, arm strength, and ability to make all the necessary throws, Simpson quickly drew comparisons to Alabama’s recent legendary quarterbacks. Despite being behind the aforementioned Bryce Young on the depth chart in his first year, Simpson showed flashes of why he could be the heir apparent to the throne.

DeBoer’s evaluation of Simpson is rooted in a deep understanding of what makes quarterbacks thrive in high-pressure systems like Alabama. For DeBoer, Simpson’s ability to manage the game, coupled with his technical skill set, makes him a perfect fit for Alabama’s offensive scheme. “Ty is a special talent,” DeBoer stated in a recent interview. “He’s a quarterback who understands the game at a high level and has the physical traits to dominate at the next level. His skill set, both as a passer and as an athlete, makes him one of the best quarterbacks in the country.”

Arm Strength and Accuracy

DeBoer’s analysis focuses heavily on Simpson’s ability to make all the necessary throws at an elite level. His arm strength is one of the most talked-about aspects of his game. Whether it’s throwing deep out routes to the sideline, hitting targets on intermediate throws, or delivering strikes over the middle of the field, Simpson’s arm is elite. His accuracy, particularly on the deep ball, has drawn praise from many coaches and analysts, including DeBoer.

“Ty’s arm strength is off the charts,” DeBoer remarked. “He has the ability to make throws that a lot of quarterbacks can’t even attempt, and he does it effortlessly. His ability to drop the ball into tight windows and put velocity on the ball when needed sets him apart.” DeBoer’s comments are especially significant given his extensive experience coaching quarterbacks who possess similar arm strength. He believes that Simpson’s natural ability to stretch the field vertically is a weapon that Alabama can take full advantage of in 2025.

One of the criticisms that have been leveled at Alabama quarterbacks in recent years, especially after Young’s departure, is the ability to consistently hit deep shots downfield. While Milroe is a great athlete, Simpson’s ability to throw the ball accurately and with velocity to all areas of the field could give him an edge in the competition for the starting role.

Poise and Mental Acumen

Beyond physical tools, DeBoer emphasizes Simpson’s poise in the pocket as one of his most important qualities. While Milroe is known for his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs, Simpson’s calm demeanor and ability to read defenses has impressed coaches and analysts alike. DeBoer highlighted that Simpson’s mental processing is far beyond his years.

“Ty has such a strong understanding of the game,” DeBoer stated. “He’s able to go through his progressions quickly and make the right decisions under pressure. For a young quarterback, that’s extremely rare. He doesn’t panic in the pocket, and he doesn’t lock onto his first read. He keeps his eyes downfield and is always looking for the best possible play.”

This ability to remain calm under pressure, according to DeBoer, is one of the reasons Simpson is primed to succeed in a system as demanding as Alabama’s. In the SEC, where defenses are relentless and the margin for error is razor-thin, the ability to think quickly and adjust on the fly is critical for success.

Athleticism and Mobility

In the modern era of college football, mobility has become a vital trait for quarterbacks. DeBoer has coached his fair share of mobile quarterbacks, and he is quick to point out that Simpson’s athleticism is another facet of his game that should not be overlooked. While Simpson may not be as fast or explosive as Milroe, he is an effective runner who can move the chains when needed.

“Ty isn’t as fast as some of the other quarterbacks in the country, but he has more than enough mobility to make plays outside of the pocket,” DeBoer explained. “What sets him apart is his ability to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield. He’s not just looking to run; he’s always looking for an opportunity to make a play as a passer.”

Simpson’s ability to blend athleticism with passing accuracy makes him a nightmare for defenses. Whether it’s scrambling to avoid pressure or using his legs to extend a play, Simpson’s mobility adds another layer to his already impressive skill set. DeBoer believes that this balance of mobility and arm strength will be key in helping Alabama’s offense thrive under Simpson’s leadership.

The Alabama System and Simpson’s Fit

For a quarterback to succeed at Alabama, they must excel in a high-powered, fast-paced system that can attack defenses from all angles. DeBoer is confident that Simpson is a perfect fit for this offense. His ability to make reads, process information quickly, and deliver the ball accurately allows him to excel in the kind of high-stakes, high-pressure environment that is characteristic of Alabama football.

“The Alabama offense requires a quarterback who can think quickly, read defenses, and execute under pressure,” DeBoer explained. “Ty has all those qualities. He’s the type of quarterback who can come in and make an immediate impact. His combination of intelligence, arm strength, and athleticism will fit perfectly with what Coach Saban and the offensive staff are looking for.”

DeBoer also noted that Simpson’s leadership qualities have impressed the Alabama coaching staff. “He’s a natural leader. He doesn’t shy away from responsibility, and that’s something that stands out to coaches at the next level.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the 2025 season approaches, the quarterback competition at Alabama is expected to remain one of the most talked-about storylines in college football. While Milroe brings a strong combination of athleticism and experience, DeBoer’s evaluation of Simpson suggests that the sophomore is the most well-rounded option.

Alabama’s offense, which has relied on stellar quarterback play in recent years, is poised for another dominant season, and Ty Simpson’s potential could be the key to maintaining that success. With the backing of coaches like Kalen DeBoer, who see the special qualities Simpson brings to the table, it’s clear that the Crimson Tide have a promising future at quarterback.

In a program known for producing elite quarterbacks, Ty Simpson could be the next in line to take the helm and lead Alabama back to national prominence. With his skill set, poise, and leadership, he’s a quarterback that could take the Tide back to the top of college football. As the 2025 season draws closer, expect the hype around Simpson to continue to build, and the Alabama faithful may soon see why he’s poised to be their next great quarterback.