Ty Simpson recalls ‘abnormal’ decision to stay at Alabama, not enter transfer portal

In 2023, after taking a redshirt as a true freshman, Ty Simpson lost the Alabama quarterback competition to Jalen Milroe. When Milroe announced he’d be returning in 2024, Simpson opted to stay in Tuscaloosa rather than enter the transfer portal.

Now, he’s getting his shot. Alabama officially named Simpson the starting quarterback this season after he won a competition against Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. The Crimson Tide players found out the news on Monday, On3’s Pete Nakos reported.

As he looked back on his journey, Simpson pointed out how unique it is for him to stay in a reserve role rather than look for a starting job somewhere else. He also credited Milroe and Bryce Young for showing him the ropes of college football, while also acknowledging the role Mack and Russell played in pushing the former five-star recruit to be his best.

“I think it’s abnormal, for sure, to not transfer in today’s day and age,” Simpson said Tuesday. “But I don’t regret it at all. I love being here, I love my teammates, I love this university. I learned a lot from the guys that played before me like Bryce and Jalen. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.

“And then, the guys behind me like Keelon and Austin, I think that they pushed me and they elevated my game to a [level] that it’s never seen before. We’re going to continue to grow each and every day as a quarterback room, as a group, and I’m excited about it.”

During that 2023 season after Simpson’s redshirt year, Alabama looked for an heir apparent to Young after he went No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. Milroe started the first two games of the year before Simpson and Tyler Buchner both played in the third game against USF.

From there, Nick Saban went back to Milroe. Buchner then transferred back to Notre Dame and switched to wide receiver – while also playing lacrosse. Simpson, meanwhile, stayed put and did so again last year following Saban’s retirement.

Ty Simpson previously said he leaned on his faith as he went through his journey at Alabama, noting the opportunities that could have awaited via the transfer portal. As of this week, he’s officially the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.

“It was surreal, for sure – something I’ve dreamed about since I came here,” Simpson said of finding out he’d be QB1. “But I’m not going to sit here and say it was nothing I didn’t expect. I feel like I worked my tail off for it. I’m just excited for the opportunity to go out there with my guys and compete each and every day.”