TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ty Simpson’s excitement is unmistakable. So are his nerves.
His long-awaited moment—his first collegiate start—is just days away. And Simpson isn’t hiding how he feels about finally leading Alabama onto the field when the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide visits a rebuilding Florida State.
“Some butterflies, you know,” Simpson said. “I was thinking about it this morning. I woke up and I was like, ‘Man, it’s really here. Like, it’s game week.’”
Simpson’s journey is unique. A former five-star recruit, he waited three years for this opportunity without complaining, panicking, or entering the transfer portal. Now, the fourth-year junior from Martin, Tennessee, is ready to take the reins as Alabama prepares for its first road opener since 2020 at Missouri.
When asked what would define a successful debut, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb emphasized control.
“You just want him to get in and play within the structure of the offense,” Grubb said. “Let the plays come to him instead of him trying to manufacture everything. He’s going to have to make a play, so we try to create an environment where there’s enough structure for him to make the plays that are available and not make the easy ones look hard.”
Simpson has not been left to navigate this moment alone. He has received guidance from former Alabama quarterbacks John Parker Wilson, A.J. McCarron, Bryce Young, and Jalen Milroe. He even spoke with former head coach Nick Saban about managing the emotions of a first start.
“Just play within yourself,” Simpson recalled Saban saying. “He said that if you end the drive with a kick—punt, field goal, or extra point—you know you’re in good shape and not dead in the water.”
While he will be without running back Jam Miller and possibly starting guard Jaeden Roberts, Simpson still has plenty of talent around him. Alabama’s offense boasts three AP preseason All-Americans: receiver Ryan Williams and offensive linemen Parker Brailsford and Kadyn Proctor.
Simpson will also have the guidance of head coach Kalen DeBoer and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan on the sideline.
“It’s a quarterback’s dream to have those types of resources,” Simpson said. “My plan is to just be the best that I can be and get my guys the ball.”
The trust Simpson has earned from coaches and teammates is clear—he has even been named a team captain. His dedication is equally evident, with early-morning workouts at the facility between 4 and 5 a.m.
“I think Ty’s been ready for a while,” Williams said. “I’m super proud of Ty, not only as a football player but as a leader. He’s evolved as a human being, if I’m being honest. Even with his confidence throwing the ball, he’s letting it go.”
Simpson’s previous experiences have prepared him for this moment. Though he had earlier opportunities to claim the starting role—most notably in 2023—he admits he wasn’t ready then. Now, he feels poised to step into the spotlight.
“There’s a great feeling going into a game like this,” Simpson said. “Just knowing that I’m more mature than I was even last year and compared to a couple years ago.”
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