Latest news with #TySimpson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who leads Alabama football quarterback depth chart after first fall practice?
Alabama football fall practices are off and running. And so is the Crimson Tide's 2025 quarterback battle. After praising his unexperienced quarterback room at SEC media days, DeBoer watched as redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell vie for starting snaps in a position left vacant with he departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL. "I think they have all taken steps through the summer," DeBoer said. "And you can see they are definitely more comfortable with the install. A lot of it's the reps the get with the play concepts they have. But the footwork, and just the confidence with that, and some of the new things we've added in." Alabama will open the 2025 season at Florida State Aug. 30. Here's where the Crimson Tide quarterback room stands after its first fall practice. Buy Alabama football tickets What Kalen DeBoer said about Ty Simpson When it comes to Simpson, DeBoer seems to relish in the redshirt junior's safety as a quarterback, something the Alabama coach values as he begins to evaluate the fall portion of the Crimson Tide's quarterback battle. "Just the gimme, the ones that should be 100%, making those plays all the time," DeBoer said. "And I felt that (Simpson) did that. He probably got more opportunities just because of the way plays developed to have more of those gimmes. And those gimmes add up. Gimmes are five-yard gains that turn into 15 and 20 and, sometimes, explosives." Simpson has the most experience of any quarterback in Alabama's room, albeit 188 snaps across three seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He has 381 passing yards, 130 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. Kalen DeBoer talks Alabama football QB Austin Mack DeBoer did not mention Mack much after Alabama's first practice of the spring. He lumped the redshirt sophomore in with Simpson on both veteran's ability to handle new offensive wrinkles offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb added in. "They've now become very comfortable," DeBoer said. "It's subtle stuff." Mack is the only Alabama quarterback with a touchdown pass: a 31-yard touchdown pass to Rico Scott in the Crimson Tide's 52-7 win against Mercer in 2024. Where does Keelon Russell stand in Alabama football depth chart? While Russell is the youngest quarterback in the room, DeBoer expects Russell to be the quarterback who makes the biggest strides from the start of fall camp to the season opener against Florida State. "Probably Keelon's going to be the one where you are going to see the biggest jump naturally," DeBoer said. "And that was good. He's making quick decisions, not sitting there thinking too much. But I feel all of them did." Russell is the highest-rated Alabama quarterback recruit since Bryce Young. Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football depth chart update: Who leads QB battle
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
5 Alabama football position battles to monitor during 2025 fall camp
Football season has now officially arrived for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Yes, after a lengthy break during the summer months, the Crimson Tide will once again be back on the football field this upcoming week for the start of fall camp. A multi-week span leading up to Alabama's first game, fall camp is not only a period of time where the anticipation for the upcoming season continues to build for all, but it is also where the Crimson Tide put the finishing touches on things prior to playing meaningful games. Similar to years past as well, there will be multiple position battles for the Crimson Tide this fall that are set to take center stage, some of which are at key positions. Here are five position battles to monitor throughout fall camp for the Crimson Tide, as well as some names to know at each spot. Quarterback Kalen DeBoer recently stated at SEC media days that if Alabama had to play a game, then Ty Simpson would likely be the starter. However, Simpson will still likely have to go out and win the job during fall camp over Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, with these next couple of weeks likely deciding who starts Week 1 at Florida State. Left Guard As the Crimson Tide replace Tyler Booker at left guard this season, there are likely two names competing this fall for that starting spot in Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark. With both certain to see significant time this season, the duo will likely compete in fall camp to determine who starts at left guard Week 1 at Florida State. Inside Linebacker Alabama has a starting inside linebacker returning in Deontae Lawson, but also have to replace a key starter from a year ago in Jihaad Campbell. In that competition, Justin Jefferson is undoubtedly the favorite, but another name to know is Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green, who will also play significant snaps this season. Punter Special teams in general will be a talking point for Alabama entering the season, but the punter position in particular might be one to watch this fall. Blake Doud is the arguable favorite to start entering fall camp after transferring into the program, but will be battling for the starting spot with incoming freshman Alex Asparuhov. Right Tackle Lastly, left guard is not the only position along Alabama's offensive line to monitor during fall camp, as the same can be said for right tackle. Wilkin Formby is likely the favorite to start entering fall camp, but there are certainly many others who are in the mix as well. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What Ty Simpson feels Alabama football fans should know about him
Ty Simpson came into Alabama football with dreams to leave a legacy, with aspirations for the NFL. And heading into his fourth season with the program, the Alabama quarterback feels he can still do both. "I think my journey has been like no other, to say the least," Simpson said in a video posted on social media by QB Reps July 22. Simpson is set to enter Alabama's fall camp as the leader in the Crimson Tide's quarterback race, competing for snaps with redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. "When I get on the field, Alabama fans should know that I'm going to do everything it takes to win," Simpson said. "So I'm going to make sure I'm the toughest guy on the field. I'm going to make sure I win. I'm going to make sure I know everything that's coming. I'm going to get the guys around me the ball." Simpson, a five-star quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class out of Martin, Tennessee, backed up Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe in his first three seasons with the Crimson Tide. With Alabama, Simpson has completed 29 of his 50 career pass attempts for 381 yards. While he does not have a collegiate passing touchdown, Simpson has three rushing touchdowns on 22 carries. Alabama opens its 2025 season Aug. 30 against Florida State. Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What Ty Simpson feels Alabama football fans should know about him
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 SEC football preseason power rankings by ESPN FPI
ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) has been released ahead of the 2025 college football season. FPI is extremely high on the SEC as usual. It ranks five SEC teams in the top 10 and 11 SEC teams in the top 20. The media agrees with FPI and predicts that the Georgia Bulldogs will play the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 SEC championship with Texas coming out on top. FPI also views the Alabama Crimson Tide as the third-biggest SEC championship contender (17.2% chance to win SEC) with no other team having over a 5% chance to win an SEC title. FPI and the media disagree on how to stack up the entire conference. FPI is particularly confident in teams like Auburn and Texas A&M while it is down on LSU, South Carolina, Florida and Vanderbilt. Interestingly, FPI rates the 10 teams the most difficult schedules in the nation as entirely SEC teams. SEC football power rankings based on ESPN's FPI 1. Texas Longhorns FPI ranking (nationally): No. 1 FPI has Texas as college football's preseason No. 1. The Longhorns face an immediate test to start the 2025 season at the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Quarterback Arch Manning and Texas are predicted to play Georgia in an SEC championship rematch. The Longhorns (34.1%) and Bulldogs (26.9%) have the two best odds to win the SEC. Projected record: 10.4-2.1 2. Georgia Bulldogs FPI ranking: No. 2 Georgia's FPI ranking of No. 2 does seem a little rich considering all that Georgia lost in the transfer portal and to the NFL draft. The Bulldogs lost their six leading sack producers from last season and their entire starting interior offensive line. There's no doubt that Georgia has talent, but this UGA team does not have a ton of experience. Projected record: 10.1-2.3 3. Alabama Crimson Tide FPI ranking: No. 3 The Alabama Crimson Tide (17.2%) are the only other SEC team with more than a 5% chance to win the conference outside of Georgia or Texas, per ESPN's FPI. Alabama is predicted to start quarterback Ty Simpson this fall. Projected record: 9.6-2.8 4. Texas A&M Aggies FPI ranking: No. 8 Texas A&M would've made the SEC championship if they could've beaten Texas in the final week of the regular season last year. The Aggies need to get more passing production out of quarterback Marcel Reed and are probably a bit overrated in FPI's rankings. But what is the point of preseason rankings if you're not going to overrate Texas A&M? Projected record: 8.1-4.1 5. Tennessee Volunteers FPI ranking: No. 10 Former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar has had quite the offseason. He transferred to UCLA and then to Tennessee after Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA in the spring. The Volunteers probably aren't going to be returning to the College Football Playoff after this tumultuous offseason, but let's be honest Iamaleava was never that good for Tennessee. Projected record: 8.7-3.4 6. LSU Tigers FPI ranking: No. 12 We've finally found an underrated SEC team. LSU returns starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, which should be a big advantage for the Tigers in 2025. Texas A&M is the only SEC team to return their starting quarterback that FPI ranks ahead of LSU, but we think the Tigers should be slotted above the Aggies. Projected record: 7.9-4.2 7. Ole Miss Rebels FPI ranking: No. 13 Ole Miss had a strong 2024 season, but disappointingly missed the College Football Playoff. The Rebels are expected to start Austin Simmons at quarterback and should have a strong defense. The Rebels' defense has three All-SEC selections in linebacker Suntarine Perkins (second-team), defensive lineman Zxavian Harris (third-team) and Princewill Umanmielen (third-team). Projected record: 8.3-3.8 8. Auburn Tigers FPI ranking: No. 14 This one is strange. Arguably nobody is higher on Auburn than FPI. Hugh Freeze and the Tigers are facing a make-or-break year, but we don't see the Tigers as a top 15 team in the country. The media predicts Auburn and quarterback Jackson Arnold, an Oklahoma transfer, to finish 11th in the SEC, which sounds about right. Projected record: 7.5-4.5 9. South Carolina Gamecocks FPI ranking: No. 15 FPI is underrating the Gamecocks. South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers and pass rusher Dylan Stewart both made the first-team All-SEC, which gives the Gamecocks arguably the best top two players of any SEC team. The media thinks South Carolina will finish fifth in the SEC, which is more realistic. Projected record: 7.3-4.8 10. Oklahoma Sooners FPI ranking: No. 16 Oklahoma QB John Mateer (Washington State transfer) and running back Jaydn Ott (Cal transfer) should form one of the best backfields in the SEC. However, the Sooners have a tough schedule (games against Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas), so we don't see Oklahoma contending to win the conference. Projected record: 6.9-5.1 11. Florida Gators FPI ranking: No. 18 We have to admit that the Florida Gators are the most underrated team in the these power rankings. Florida has an extremely tough 2025 schedule (the Gators play 10 Power Four opponents over their final 10 games), but the Gators have more talent and potential than other SEC teams rated above them, like Oklahoma and Auburn. Projected record: 6.4-5.6 12. Arkansas Razorbacks FPI ranking: No. 22 Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is one of the better players at his position in the conference. Still, the Razorbacks may be a bit overvalued in FPI's SEC ratings. Projected record: 6.1-5.9 13. Missouri Tigers FPI ranking: No. 23 Missouri lost quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden to the NFL, so the Tigers lost their two main pieces on offense. Missouri returns some talent especially on defense, but we don't see them winning 10 games for a third straight season. Penn State transfer quarterback Beau Pribula, who is more of a runner than a passer is expected to start for Missouri. Projected record: 6.9-5.2 14. Kentucky Wildcats FPI ranking: No. 34 Kentucky is expected to start seventh year QB Zach Calazada. The Wildcats have a very experienced offensive unit, but will heavily rely on transfers after finishing the 2024 season 4-8. Last season, Kentucky upset Ole Miss on the road and we think the Wildcats are capable of pulling off another stunning upset, but we don't see Kentucky ending up with more than six or seven wins. Projected record: 5.6-6.4 15. Mississippi State Bulldogs FPI ranking: No. 52 The media predicts Mississippi State to finish last in the SEC and we think that's right on the money. Traditionally, Vanderbilt is the SEC's bottom-dweller, but Mississippi State deserves to have that crown right now. The Bulldogs went just 2-10 last season including 0-8 in the SEC. Mississippi State is ready to pull off some upsets, but they still have to play four teams that made the College Football Playoff last season, so we don't envision them making a bowl game. Projected record: 4.4-7.6 16. Vanderbilt Commodores FPI ranking: No. 56 FPI got this one wrong. We have to side with the media again. Vanderbilt should be rated ahead of Mississippi State and Kentucky at a minimum. The Commodores have one of the conference's better QBs in Diego Pavia. We think Vandy could make a bowl game again! Projected record: 4.8-7.2
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rece Davis makes bold prediction about one SEC team
We are only weeks away from the kickoff of the new college football season and with that comes plenty of predictions. One team that has many people talking is the Alabama Crimson Tide and how they will fair year two under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide struggled at times last year, but College Game Day host Rece Davis seems to think the Tide is in for a big year, especially if the play of one particular position falls into place. Speaking with colleague Pete Thamel on the College Game Day Podcast, Davis said he thinks Florida State will be better than they were last year; however, he believes Alabama could be a national championship contender if they receive good play at the QB position. 'We will also learn that Alabama is really, really good, really, really good,' Davis said. 'If they get good quarterback play, and I I don't just mean adequate. If they get good quarterback play, presumably from Ty Simpson or whether it's eventually Austin Mack or Keelon Russell, the freshman. If they get good high-level quarterback play, they might win the National Championship. I'm a believer in the defense by the way. If they don't, it's probably a season like last year, three or four losses.' Inconsistent quarterback play from Jalen Milroe is the main reason the Tide couldn't seem to get it going last season. When Milroe was on, like he was in the LSU and Georgia games, he looked like a Heisman candidate. But when he was off, as he was in the Vanderbilt and Oklahoma games, he looked average and seemed to revert to his old playing ways like in the beginning of the 2023 season. Consistent quarterback play may be the difference between a national championship or another appearance in an unknown New Year's Day bowl game, which will be considered another disappointing season by Alabama fans.
