BREAKING NEWS: Alabama Finally Names Starting QB — Shocking Choice Rocks College Football on The Joe Gaither Show
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Authorities in Tuscaloosa delivered a stunning announcement today: Ty Simpson has been named Alabama’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener. The decision, unveiled in a team meeting and confirmed by head coach Kalen DeBoer, has shaken the college football world, triggering widespread reaction and vibrant analysis—especially on The Joe Gaither Show, where analysts described the pick as nothing short of “jaw-dropping.”
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1. The Announcement That Changed the Narrative
On August 11, Coach Kalen DeBoer officially informed the quarterback room—Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and freshman Keelon Russell—that Simpson would be starting when Alabama opens at Florida State on August 30 . Simpson learned his fate in a tight-knit QB room before the announcement was made public .
Ty Simpson’s reaction reflected gratitude and humility:
> “They went through the X’s and O’s of why I would be the starter… They were really proud of the QB room for how tight-knit we were.”
DeBoer praised Simpson’s journey:
> “That’s what’s great… the way he’s been loyal… his character… always a great teammate.”
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2. Who Is Ty Simpson?
A redshirt junior and former five-star recruit from Tennessee, Simpson enrolled early at Alabama in 2022 . He backed up Bryce Young, then Jalen Milroe over the past three seasons, appearing in 16 games without starting . His stats? Modest—29-for-50 passing for 381 yards, no passing TDs, and 3 rushing TDs .
His perseverance is rare. As CBS notes, staying at one of the most competitive programs without starting and not transferring is nearly unheard of in today’s college football landscape .
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3. The Context Behind the Surprise
Alabama is in a transition era. With Jalen Milroe in the NFL, the QB position was open. While Austin Mack and Keelon Russell competed, Simpson’s leadership, reliability, and continuity won the coaches over .
Added layers:
Alabama enters the season ranked No. 8 in the AP poll, their lowest preseason ranking since 2008 .
The SEC quarterback room is one of the nation’s deepest, with Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Arch Manning (Texas), and others drawing attention .
Against this backdrop, the Simpson selection stands out as both unexpected and audacious—a choice grounded in loyalty and familiarity rather than hype.
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4. Reactions Across the College Football World
The Joe Gaither Show rippled with disbelief. Analysts labeled it “shocking,” questioning how a QB with limited experience could lead Alabama in such a pivotal year.
Outside (and inside) Alabama, the sentiment was mixed:
Insiders applauded Simpson’s growth and respect within the team.
Fans and pundits debated whether his lack of starting experience would pose a major risk—or if his character and relationship with the staff would pay dividends.
On social media, discussions heated up around whether the QB room’s chemistry outweighed raw experience.
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5. What’s at Stake
Alabama faces one of its toughest seasons yet:
The SEC’s depth leaves little margin for error .
DeBoer needs a College Football Playoff berth—a consensus minimum goal .
Key to this will be Simpson’s ability to execute:
Command and rhythm on offense
Relationship with WRs in the new offensive system
Ball protection and explosive ability
A support system is in place—Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb and QB Coach Nick Sheridan back Simpson, and the QB room stayed tightly bonded throughout camp .
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6. Previewing the 2000 Words Worth
If you’d like a full-length 2000+ word version, I can expand with:
In-depth player profiles (Simpson, Mack, Russell)
Coach commentary and team quotes
Offensive schematic changes under DeBoer
Game-by-game forecast including FS
U opener
Comparisons to other backup-to-starter transitions
Impact on recruiting and program direction
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