With Jalen Milroe off to the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama is officially in quarterback search mode. And so far this spring, all signs are pointing to Ty Simpson. Looks like the redshirt junior is gaining serious momentum as the favorite to win the highly competitive starting job.

Look, just this week, Greg McElroy reported that Simpson is “firmly in control” of the competition. And then came another clue—linebacker Qua Russaw announced that Simpson had been named to the team’s leadership committee. Honestly, that’s a big deal. Because leadership roles usually go to the guy expected to lead on the field, too. And it’s not often that a backup gets that kind of recognition. As of now, piece by piece, the picture is becoming clear—Ty Simpson is stepping into the spotlight in Tuscaloosa.

Well, you might be wondering: Is Ty Simpson already QB1? But pump the brakes. Because this quarterback battle is far from over. Simpson is locked in a tight race with Austin Mack and 5-star freshman Keelon Russell. Sure, his spot on the leadership council raised some eyebrows. Could that tip the scales in his favor? Maybe. But when Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked if it meant anything for the QB competition, he didn’t flinch. On top of that, his answer was clear and direct – not so fast; this race is still wide open.

On April 5, AL.com’s media coverage got the latest insight from Kalen DeBoer. Well, after Alabama’s 2nd spring scrimmage, the HC stepped up to the mic and shut down the noise surrounding Ty Simpson’s QB status. However, the talk? That Simpson’s spot on the leadership council hinted he was already QB1. Here, DeBoer didn’t hesitate and stated, “No, I mean, that leadership group was voted on in early January—or January—so it was before spring even started.” So, he made it clear—the vote had nothing to do with the current QB battle. Still, DeBoer had strong praise for Simpson. “And I would expect Ty (Simpson) to be on that. You know, he’s been here, putting out, invested a lot. I would have voted for Ty to be on that in January as well,” said the Alabama HC.

So, while Simpson’s leadership is real, the QB1 job? Still very much up for grabs. However, after the 2nd spring scrimmage, DeBoer had nothing but praise for his QB room. And why not? Ty Simpson, Mack, and freshman Russell all got their props. But it was clear who was getting the real look. Well, Simpson and Mack saw the bulk of the reps with the top unit—another sign they’re leading the charge. But interestingly, DeBoer specifically highlighted Simpson’s growth, especially in the leadership department. The message is that although the battle is fierce, Simpson’s experience and voice are starting to shine through.

Here, following spring scrimmage, DeBoer provided a detailed assessment of Simpson’s leadership qualities. He emphasized Simpson’s impact within the team dynamic, stating, “So he (Simpson) does a great job, really. You know, taking advantage of knowing the guys that are on the team, helping them. He’s obviously got to take care of his business, and he does. You know, so we ask guys to be leaders, and then, when you take care of your business, bring someone with you—and he does a great job with that.” To be honest, the head coach made it clear—Simpson isn’t just focused on himself; he’s lifting others, too.

As of now, it’s not just about throwing touchdowns; it’s about earning trust. And Simpson’s doing both. However, DeBoer didn’t just single out Ty Simpson—he gave props to the entire QB room. He noted that each guy brings something different to the table, stating, “I think, you know, the other quarterbacks, you know, continue to do it different ways. Keelon does it with his presence. He’s not probably going to be as vocal yet, just hasn’t been around long enough.” So, Keelon Russell may be new, but his presence is already making waves.

And then, DeBoer also highlighted Austin Mack’s steady rise. “Austin’s kind of been there as well, has really—because of the confidence and the things he’s done, especially the middle half of last fall, where he started really kind of, showing the effort and energy that he would bring the team—I think he’s gained a lot of confidence being a leader as well,” said Alabama HC. So, different styles, but one goal.

Right now, the QB battle in Tuscaloosa is as fierce—and as talented—as ever. But looming in the background? A tough warning for DeBoer—handle it right, or risk losing Austin Mack to the portal.

A word of caution for Alabama’s HC

When DeBoer made the move to Alabama, he didn’t come alone. Yes, he brought one of his prized recruits from Washington—Austin Mack. However, DeBoer had his eyes on Mack from the start, calling him a rare talent with elite tools and a sharp football mind. “I think his skillset and all the tools he brings as a quarterback, the arm talent. But I also just think he’s just got a really great head on his shoulders,” DeBoer said after signing him in January 2024.

At the time, it felt like a huge win. Looks like a future star following his coach to Tuscaloosa. But fast forward to spring 2025, and that win is turning into a potential problem. As of now, with Mack stuck in a heated QB battle and Ty Simpson gaining momentum, DeBoer faces a tricky situation. Lose the balance, and he might lose a big-time QB when it matters most.

Right now, Mack looks like the odd man out in Alabama’s QB race. And according to 247Sports insider Smoke, a move to the transfer portal is becoming more and more likely. However, the analyst didn’t sugarcoat it and said, “If you are Austin Mack and you aren’t in the conversation at two and you’re more than three, there’s not a chance that you’re going to play for the next three months. Find a way and get out, just head back out to the Mountain West.” Honestly, it’s a tough truth for a QB who’s spent 3 years learning the system, only to find himself buried on the depth chart.

But now, with Simpson and Russell locked in a tight battle for QB1, Austin Mack finds himself fading from the spotlight. His path to playing time is shrinking by the day. And in the ever-moving world of CFB, the clock doesn’t stop ticking—the transfer portal might be calling next. But nothing is set in stone just yet. Let’s see how it all unfolds.