Ty Simpson Offers Insight on Alabama Quarterback Competition

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama will have a new quarterback for a second consecutive season.

With Ty Simpson off to the NFL, the focus now shifts to Austin Mack and Keelon Russell as they compete to take over the offense heading into next season.

Simpson returned to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s Pro Day and got a chance to reconnect with both quarterbacks, offering a perspective from someone who spent last season in that room.

“Just be yourself and enjoy it,” Simpson said. “It was really cool coming back, after Pro Day, it was guys that I saw. They mean so much to me because they helped me get to where I’m at."

The competition between Mack and Russell remains open, and it could take time before a decision is made. Both quarterbacks bring different paths into the role, with Mack having more experience in the system and Russell bringing a high-level recruiting background and upside.

Mack has spent multiple years developing within the offense and saw limited action last season as Simpson’s primary backup, including meaningful snaps late in the year. Russell, meanwhile, arrived as one of the top prospects in his class and is still early in his development at the college level.

Simpson said the biggest difference he’s noticed isn’t between the two, but in how both have matured.

"It’s one of my favorite quarterback rooms," Simpson said "Austin and Keelon, seeing them grow from the season last year, to being in practice and being in meetings with them this year, it was just something that put a smile on my face because I feel like a big brother as well."

With neither quarterback separating early in the spring, the focus remains on consistency, command and decision-making as Alabama's staff mulls its options. Those areas are expected to determine who ultimately wins the job.

"Whoever plays is going to be so good that they’re going to lead the team the right way," Simpson saod. "So, be yourself, enjoy it and be the best teammate that you can be. Everybody cares about being a good player, but everybody is going to remember you being a great teammate.”

The decision at quarterback will come later in the offseason, with more spring practices and A-Day still to come. For now, the battle remains open, but from Simpson’s perspective, Alabama is in a good position either way.

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