Paul Finebaum Sparks Debate Claiming Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer Has Upgrade in Ty Simpson Over Jalen Milroe at Quarterback

Few voices in college football stir the pot quite like Paul Finebaum, and his latest comments surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide have ignited an offseason storm of debate across the SEC landscape. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the outspoken analyst delivered a bold take on the state of Alabama’s quarterback room under new head coach Kalen DeBoer — claiming that Ty Simpson presents a better option at quarterback than former starter Jalen Milroe.

It’s a statement that, predictably, has divided the passionate Alabama fan base, raising eyebrows from Tuscaloosa to the national college football stage. After all, Milroe was instrumental in leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance last season. Yet, according to Finebaum, DeBoer may have inherited an even better situation than Nick Saban left behind — and it starts with Ty Simpson’s potential.

Finebaum didn’t mince words during the segment, stating:

“I think Kalen DeBoer quietly has a better quarterback situation than people realize. Ty Simpson, from everything I’ve heard out of Tuscaloosa, has the tools to thrive in DeBoer’s offense. As good as Jalen Milroe was, I believe Simpson fits this new system better — and that’s saying something.”

A New Era in Tuscaloosa

The Crimson Tide faithful are still adjusting to life after Nick Saban’s retirement, an era that produced six national championships, countless SEC titles, and a level of sustained dominance rarely seen in college football history. Kalen DeBoer, coming off a successful tenure at Washington where he led the Huskies to a national championship game appearance, inherits both massive expectations and a talented, but unsettled, quarterback situation.

Ty Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has patiently waited his turn behind Milroe and previous signal callers, showcasing flashes of brilliance during spring practices and mop-up duties over the last two seasons. A former five-star recruit out of Tennessee, Simpson was regarded as one of the most polished passers in his class, lauded for his accuracy, football IQ, and ability to extend plays with his legs — though not necessarily with the same electrifying athleticism as Milroe.

DeBoer’s offensive philosophy, built on precision passing, timing routes, and spreading the field, differs from the RPO-heavy, dual-threat style Alabama leaned on with Milroe. According to Finebaum and others, that schematic shift could give Simpson the edge in a wide-open quarterback competition.

Milroe’s Electrifying 2024 Season

While the debate is heating up, it’s impossible to overlook what Jalen Milroe accomplished last season. After early struggles, including a controversial benching after a shaky outing against Texas, Milroe responded by leading Alabama to 11 consecutive wins, culminating in an SEC Championship victory over Georgia and a hard-fought Playoff semifinal.

Milroe’s combination of deep-ball prowess and explosive mobility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He racked up over 2,800 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, and added nearly 600 yards on the ground with 12 rushing scores — numbers that placed him among the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football.

Yet, critics pointed to Milroe’s occasional inconsistency as a passer, particularly in the short and intermediate game, as a potential limitation within a pro-style system like DeBoer’s. It’s that nuance that Finebaum believes could open the door for Simpson.

DeBoer’s Track Record With Quarterbacks

A key factor fueling Finebaum’s argument is DeBoer’s reputation as a quarterback guru. During his time at Washington, he transformed Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman Trophy finalist and one of the nation’s most prolific passers. Penix, previously plagued by injuries and inconsistent play at Indiana, flourished under DeBoer’s tutelage, posting staggering numbers while orchestrating an offense that ranked among the top in the country.

Given that history, it’s understandable why some believe Simpson — viewed as a more traditional pocket passer with high football IQ — could emerge as the ideal candidate to lead DeBoer’s Crimson Tide offense. Simpson’s strengths in timing, accuracy, and decision-making align with what DeBoer has built his system around.

The QB Competition Intensifies

Despite the speculation, Alabama’s quarterback battle remains one of the most tightly contested in college football heading into fall camp. Sources within the program indicate that both Milroe and Simpson have taken significant reps with the first-team offense, with DeBoer emphasizing that no starting job will be handed out based on reputation alone.

DeBoer, speaking to the media earlier this summer, remained non-committal on the starter but praised the competition’s intensity.

“We’ve got two extremely talented quarterbacks pushing each other every day,” DeBoer said. “What I love is the way both Jalen and Ty have embraced learning the system and competing the right way. The decision will come down to who gives us the best chance to win consistently.”

Those close to the program suggest that while Milroe remains the frontrunner based on experience and past production, Simpson’s progress in mastering the playbook and delivering in scrimmages has closed the gap considerably.

Finebaum’s Comments Divide the Fan Base

As is often the case with Paul Finebaum’s takes, reactions have been swift and polarized. Some Alabama fans agree with the assessment, believing Simpson’s skill set makes him the better long-term fit under DeBoer. Others see it as a slight toward Milroe, whose leadership and playmaking ability kept Alabama in the national title hunt last season.

Social media lit up following Finebaum’s remarks, with debates raging on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and various fan forums.

One user posted, “Milroe beat Georgia, got us to the Playoff, and now we’re supposed to toss him aside for a guy with no real game experience? Let’s pump the brakes.”

Another countered, “Simpson was built for DeBoer’s offense. Milroe’s a great athlete, but you need precision in this system — just like Penix had.”

Former Alabama players and analysts have also weighed in, with some pointing out that DeBoer may utilize both quarterbacks situationally if their contrasting styles prove advantageous.

What’s Next for the Crimson Tide?

With fall camp approaching, the competition between Milroe and Simpson promises to be the most-watched storyline in Tuscaloosa. For DeBoer, the stakes couldn’t be higher — expectations remain sky-high, and any misstep will be magnified under the intense glare that comes with leading Alabama.

Regardless of who wins the job, Finebaum’s comments have ensured that the quarterback battle will dominate headlines leading up to the season opener. For Simpson, it’s an opportunity to prove the hype is warranted and that he can rise to the occasion in DeBoer’s system. For Milroe, it’s a chance to silence critics, showcase his continued development as a passer, and remind the world why he’s one of college football’s most electrifying athletes.

Paul Finebaum’s assertion that Ty Simpson could be a better option for Kalen DeBoer than Jalen Milroe has added yet another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating Alabama offseason. Whether or not that prediction comes to pass remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa is far from settled, and the outcome could shape the trajectory of the Crimson Tide’s new era.

As the DeBoer era kicks off, all eyes will be on who takes that first snap — and whether Simpson, as Finebaum suggests, can seize the moment and usher in a new chapter of quarterback excellence for Alabama.