By Mmesoma 
In an era where college quarterbacks often trade jerseys in search of instant playing time, Alabama’s Ty Simpson made a different choice—he stayed.
Despite receiving interest from several Power Five programs and being widely considered a hot name in the transfer portal, Simpson never entered his name. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment to the Crimson Tide, and now, he’s opening up about why.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Simpson admitted in a recent sit-down with reporters. “But at the end of the day, I believe in this program, and I believe in myself. That meant staying right here.”
Simpson, a former five-star recruit, spent the last two seasons waiting in the wings behind Jalen Milroe, learning, improving, and staying ready. But when Milroe declared for the NFL Draft, the natural assumption was that Simpson might seek a clearer path elsewhere.
Instead, the Tennessee native stayed rooted in Tuscaloosa.
“I got offers. There were conversations,” he revealed. “But every time I thought about leaving, it just didn’t feel right. I didn’t come to Alabama to walk away when things got tough. I came here to be great.”
Simpson credits the coaching staff, his teammates, and the legacy of the Alabama quarterback room for helping shape his decision. More importantly, he said, it was about finishing what he started.
“People forget, this is Alabama. If you can start here, you can start anywhere — and win,” he said. “That’s the kind of challenge I want. That’s what fuels me.”
With a new offensive coordinator and a reloaded Crimson Tide roster, Simpson has impressed during spring camp and is widely expected to take over as QB1. Coaches have praised his maturity, leadership, and command of the offense.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over after Nick Saban’s retirement, also spoke on Simpson’s decision to stay.
“Ty staying with us says a lot about who he is,” DeBoer said. “In a world where guys are quick to leave, he stayed to compete. That’s the kind of quarterback—and man—you want leading your team.”
As the 2025 season draws closer, Simpson now has the opportunity he waited patiently for. And while many of his peers took exits through the portal, Simpson believes the longer road will prove more rewarding.
“There’s no shortcut to greatness,” Simpson said. “And for me, there was no exit—only the next step.”