In the current landscape of college football, patience is a rare virtue among players. It is uncommon to see an athlete who is willing to bide their time, keep their head down, and diligently work towards eventually earning an opportunity on the field. More often than not, players who do not see playing time within a year or two opt to enter the Transfer Portal in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Therefore, when a player chooses to stay the course and persevere, it is truly commendable. Such is the case for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who is the leading candidate to become the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025. The coaching staff, led by Kalen DeBoer, appears to have substantial confidence in Simpson, evidenced by their decision not to pursue a quarterback in the Transfer Portal during the winter cycle, despite speculation regarding former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck.
Competing with a Rising Star
As Simpson prepares to lead spring practice, he will face competition from an exceptional talent in Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class—5-star prospect Keelon Russell. Russell, who emerged as the nation’s No. 1 prospect according to Rivals and received unanimous 5-star ratings across various scouting services, has drawn favorable comparisons to former LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Arriving in Tuscaloosa brimming with confidence, Russell is eager to vie for the starting job immediately.
While Russell is arguably the most talented quarterback on the roster, acclimating to a collegiate system as a true freshman is a daunting task. He will also require time in Alabama’s strength and conditioning program to build the physical resilience necessary to endure the rigors of being a starting quarterback at this level.
A Parallel to Mac Jones
Simpson’s journey bears a resemblance to that of former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, who also exhibited remarkable patience. Jones spent three years on the bench after signing with Alabama in the same recruiting class as 5-star Tua Tagovailoa and a year after Jalen Hurts earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman. When Jones finally got his chance in 2020, he led what many consider to be one of the greatest college football teams of all time.
The Road Ahead
As Alabama enters this new chapter, Simpson’s perseverance and readiness to seize his moment will be crucial. Meanwhile, Russell’s prodigious talent and potential make for an intriguing competition. The blend of seasoned patience and youthful promise bodes well for Alabama’s future, and fans are eagerly anticipating who will emerge as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025.
