Ty Simpson to start Alabama opener

Alabama appears ready to name Ty Simpson starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against Florida State.

Ty Simpson poised to start Alabama season opener at Florida State

Alabama is expected to publicly name Ty Simpson as its starting quarterback for the season opener August 30 at Florida State, sources told CBS Sports. Simpson, a redshirt junior, has long been considered the frontrunner since Jalen Milroe declared for the NFL draft in January. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said in April that Simpson would start if the season began at that point, and coach Kalen DeBoer reinforced that status throughout the summer while keeping the competition open with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. A news conference with Grubb is planned after Tuesday morning’s practice, and Simpson and the other quarterbacks have not yet spoken to reporters in spring or fall camp.

Alabama will open the season at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, marking the Tide’s first road opener since 2000. DeBoer said the plan is to decide during the second scrimmage, with Simpson and Mack leading most first‑team reps and Russell continuing to grow into the role. Simpson has earned the support of teammates and coaches for his steadiness as the program rebuilds after a 9-4 season and a preseason ranking of No. 8 in both the AP and coaches polls. The path from the spring to the fall hinges on how quickly the offense can gel behind a veteran option who has waited for his turn.

Naming Simpson as the starter signals a move toward clearer leadership and stability on offense. It reduces the ambiguity that comes with a three-man competition but raises questions about depth behind him and how quickly Mack or Russell can push for meaningful reps. The decision also tests Alabama’s trust in a player who has learned through patience, not flash, and it sets a tone for how the staff values experience in a high-stakes opener.

The matchup against Florida State adds pressure to perform early in the season. A successful start could validate the patience shown by Simpson and the staff, while any hiccups would invite scrutiny of the plan and the room behind him. The team’s early trajectory will reflect not just the quarterback choice but the broader balance of the offense and the defense’s ability to support a high‑quality opener on the road.

Highlights

The next test is on the field, where leadership and execution will matter most.