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The Tuscaloosa News
Why Alabama football quarterback Ty Simpson 'knows he deserves to talk' this season
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Why Alabama football quarterback Ty Simpson 'knows he deserves to talk' this season
Throughout Ty Simpson 's Alabama football career, he has kept his head down, learning quietly from the back of the quarterback depth chart. As fall camp unfolds in 2025, the redshirt junior has finally found the voice he's been fighting for since joining the team in 2022.
At Alabama football media day, Ryan Williams said that the Martin, Tenn. native has grown on the field, and not because of more time in the weight room or watching film. Simpson is finally winning what Williams called "a mental battle" as Simpson navigates a position battle against Austin Mack and Keelon Russell .
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"Even Ty, it's hard to be vocal just because you don't know if you deserve to talk," Williams said.
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Simpson has been plagued by internal warfare since his freshman year. Not anymore.
"He knows he deserves to talk and he's been leading by example, so it's been great to watch him," Williams continued.
Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams see a newfound 'swagger' in Alabama football's Ty Simpson
Williams has seen how Simpson's being more vocal has translated to a newfound confidence when slinging the ball to himself, Germie Bernard and the rest of the corps.
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Simpson isn't just confident this year. As the offseason nears its end, Williams said Simpson "truly has a swagger."
Bernard's eyes gleamed when asked to describe the swag that Simpson will be carrying into Bryant-Denny Stadium.
July 30, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Quarterback Ty Simpson throws during the first practice session of the preseason for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
"Not being able to show what you can do for three years, that can kind of deter your confidence, but him knowing that he has to step up as a leader ... that this is his last year, and he has an opportunity to start, you have to have some sense of confidence to be that starting quarterback," Bernard said. "We can tell, man. He's been balling and he's been doing his thing for sure."
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Simpson was the lone quarterback voted to the Crimson Tide's leadership team in January. Backing up Jalen Milroe last season, Simpson produced the third rushing touchdown of his career against Western Kentucky and made appearances against Wisconsin , Missouri , LSU , Mercer and Oklahoma . Against Mercer, he was one yard short of making his first passing touchdown on a 43-yard deep ball to tight-end Josh Cuevas.
The competition between Simpson, Russell and Mack hasn't officially been won. However, Simpson has the most experience of anyone in the room, and his teammates are optimistic that he'll be taking the step that he's been waiting for.
"I'm super excited for him," Williams said, grinning.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 'He deserves to talk': Ryan Williams on Ty Simpson's rise with Alabama football
