DeBoer announced Simpson as the starter following Alabama’s first preseason scrimmage. Simpson, a redshirt junior who has been on campus since 2022, beat out Washington Huskies transfer Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell for the role. Simpson was credited for his command of coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense.

Alabama starting quarterback Ty Simpson will draw Mac Jones comparisons, but Jake Coker makes for a better comparison. And that's not a bad thing.