QB CROWN DECLARED: AJ McCarron Boldly Backs Ty Simpson as Alabama’s 2025 Starter—Says “It’s His Job to Lose” Ahead of FSU Showdown

When a national champion speaks, Alabama fans listen—and when that champion is AJ McCarron, a two-time title-winning quarterback and enduring symbol of Crimson Tide poise, confidence, and execution under pressure, his words carry even more gravity. So, when McCarron emphatically predicted that Ty Simpson will be Alabama’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season, it wasn’t just speculation—it was a declaration that sent ripples across the college football landscape.

During an appearance at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am golf event in Birmingham, McCarron didn’t hesitate when asked about the quarterback competition at his alma mater. “I think it’s Ty’s job to lose,” McCarron said without blinking. “He’s been there, he’s put in the work.” The endorsement came not from someone casually watching from the sidelines, but from a quarterback who knows what it takes to survive—and thrive—at the helm of Alabama football, one of the most scrutinized positions in all of sports.

Simpson, a redshirt junior, has patiently waited in the wings while players like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe captured headlines, accolades, and NFL attention. But with Milroe now off to the NFL and Alabama entering a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the opportunity has finally opened for someone to take control. That someone, according to McCarron and many close to the program, is Simpson.

The competition isn’t lacking for intrigue or talent. Simpson faces pressure from both sides—on one end, Austin Mack, the highly touted sophomore with a cannon arm and an analytical approach to the position; on the other, true freshman Keelon Russell, the electric dual-threat quarterback who turned heads during spring practices with his raw talent and natural instincts. But for McCarron, experience and leadership win out, and Simpson’s edge in both categories makes him the favorite.

“He’s a level-headed kid,” McCarron noted. “And you need that at Alabama. You’ve got to be even-keeled, because the highs are very high and the lows are very low. If you get too caught up in either, this place will eat you alive.”

McCarron’s comments tapped into the collective memory of Alabama fans who remember his own calm leadership during the dynasty-defining 2011 and 2012 seasons. He wasn’t the flashiest quarterback in the country, but he was clinical, unshakeable, and lethal when it mattered most. Simpson may not yet have a championship ring or Heisman buzz, but the comparison is no accident. He embodies the same quiet control, and now he’s being asked to step into a role that demands nothing less.

Though Simpson’s game-time experience is still limited—he’s completed 29 passes for 381 yards in scattered action over the past two seasons—those inside the program have long admired his mental preparation, command in the locker room, and willingness to learn. He’s remained loyal to Alabama despite transfer rumors, and in an era of instant gratification and constant quarterback shuffling, that loyalty speaks volumes. He waited his turn, learned behind elite talents, and sharpened his tools without demanding attention. Now, as the curtain rises on a new season, his moment has arrived.

Coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over following Nick Saban’s legendary run, has been tight-lipped about the QB battle, saying only that he will name a starter before Alabama’s high-stakes August 30 opener against Florida State. Still, the tone around spring camp and insider reports point to Simpson getting the majority of first-team reps and earning the trust of DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. DeBoer’s offense—high tempo, high IQ, and reliant on quick processing—could be tailor-made for a quarterback like Simpson, who thrives on rhythm and decision-making.

The matchup against Florida State looms as a massive early test. The Seminoles are projected to be a top-10 team and boast one of the nation’s most experienced defensive backfields. Whoever takes the field as QB1 for Alabama that night will not be eased in—they’ll be dropped directly into the fire. But if McCarron’s assessment is correct, Simpson may be the perfect candidate to handle the heat.

McCarron’s faith isn’t based on sentimentality. During the offseason, he stayed close to the program, watched practices, and connected with coaches. What he saw wasn’t just promise—it was readiness. “He’s made the throws. He knows the system. And more importantly, he knows what it means to wear that jersey,” McCarron said. “This kid understands the weight of the A on his chest.”

While Austin Mack and Keelon Russell have received their share of attention, and both are seen as potential future stars, the timing and circumstances seem aligned for Simpson. Mack has shown flashes of brilliance but is still viewed as a work in progress. Russell’s upside is immense, but he’s just entering his first year of college football and may benefit from a developmental year. Simpson, meanwhile, is already trusted by teammates, respected in the locker room, and prepared to lead.

Social media platforms lit up with reactions after McCarron’s endorsement. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) reposted his quote with hashtags like #TeamTy and #SimpsonSeason, fueling debate and optimism. Some remain skeptical, citing Simpson’s lack of major game experience. But others echoed McCarron’s sentiment, suggesting that in today’s college football world—where leadership, system familiarity, and maturity can outweigh raw stats—Simpson might be exactly what Alabama needs in this transitional phase.

The 2025 season is being viewed as a defining moment for the Crimson Tide. After years of dominance under Saban, many wonder whether Alabama can maintain its elite status under new leadership. DeBoer, fresh off success at Washington, has brought a fresh perspective and offensive innovation, but the expectations in Tuscaloosa remain sky-high. Choosing the right quarterback isn’t just about winning games—it’s about preserving a legacy.

Simpson seems to understand this. He’s been measured in his public comments, never lashing out despite playing second fiddle for two seasons. His body language at spring practices was focused. His accuracy, according to coaches, has improved, as has his ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap. The physical tools have always been there—Simpson has prototypical size, a strong arm, and mobility in the pocket. But it’s his cerebral growth and command that have most impressed those watching closely.

One assistant coach, speaking anonymously, noted, “Ty doesn’t panic. He goes through progressions, makes the safe throw, and keeps the chains moving. He’s not looking to be a hero—he wants to win. That’s the AJ McCarron blueprint.”

McCarron, now years removed from his college glory but still very much connected to Alabama football’s soul, clearly sees something special in Simpson. It’s a passing of the torch in a way—one generational game manager recognizing the rise of another. And in Tuscaloosa, where quarterback is more than a position—it’s a legacy—such validation matters.

As the countdown to the season begins, all eyes will be on the quarterback room. DeBoer will weigh his options carefully, balancing potential with readiness, flash with stability. The Florida State opener is just around the corner, and every practice rep, film session, and scrimmage carries weight. But McCarron’s message is clear: the battle may be ongoing, but the leader is already emerging.

If Simpson does indeed take the field on August 30 as Alabama’s starter, he’ll do so with a world of expectation on his shoulders—and a vote of confidence from one of the most decorated passers in program history behind him. That confidence, that belief, is no small thing. It’s a reminder that success at Alabama isn’t just about talent—it’s about trust, timing, and toughness.

AJ McCarron believes Ty Simpson has what it takes to carry that torch forward. And in Tuscaloosa, belief from a champion just might be the spark that lights the next great Crimson Tide chapter.