Ty Simpson’s comeback has Alabama back on track for Playoff return

Through the early part of the 2025 season, quarterback Ty Simpson is making it clear that Alabama’s championship hopes are far from over. With three games under his belt, the redshirt junior has emerged as a steadying force for the Crimson Tide, combining efficiency, maturity, and big-play ability — all signs that point to Alabama being a serious contender as the season progresses.

So far, Simpson has completed 40 of 60 passes (66.7%) for 480 yards, averaging 8.0 yards per attempt with 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. His overall passer rating of 161.4 reflects his growing command of the offense and his ability to make smart decisions in key moments.

Simpson’s breakout performance came on September 13 against Wisconsin, where he completed 24 of 29 passes (82.8%) for a career-high 382 yards and four touchdowns, including a 75-yard strike to Ryan Williams. That performance earned him a 238.9 passer rating — the highest of his collegiate career. He’s been even more impressive at home, completing all 17 pass attempts for 226 yards and three scores, posting a flawless 100% completion rate and a 269.9 passer rating.

September has been a showcase of composure for Simpson. He’s remained turnover-free, decisive in the pocket, and efficient in his reads — all while leading a non-conference slate in which Alabama outscored opponents 111-14 after a Week 1 loss. The offense has scored touchdowns on 15 of its last 20 drives, and Simpson has been at the center of that momentum shift.

Crimson Tide's challenging road ahead

Alabama’s 2025 football schedule is among the most grueling in the country, and the tests are only beginning. The Crimson Tide opened the season on August 30 with a 31–17 loss at Florida State, where Simpson threw for 254 yards and Germie Bernard recorded 146 receiving yards. The team rebounded in dominant fashion, shutting out UL Monroe 73–0 on September 6, and followed that with a convincing 38–14 win over Wisconsin on September 13.

After a well-timed bye week, the Tide return to action on September 27 in a major SEC showdown against No. 6 Georgia in Athens. October features a mix of home and away challenges: Alabama hosts Vanderbilt (Oct. 4) and No. 15 Tennessee (Oct. 18), while hitting the road to face No. 25 Missouri (Oct. 11) and No. 11 South Carolina (Oct. 25).

November doesn’t get any easier. The Tide will host No. 3 LSU (Nov. 8), No. 13 Oklahoma (Nov. 15), and Eastern Illinois (Nov. 22) before wrapping up the regular season in the Iron Bowl at No. 24 Auburn on November 29.

Momentum and a contagious energy

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has praised Simpson’s composure and growth, noting that he’s “slowing the game down” and playing with more confidence each week. Players have echoed those sentiments, pointing to Simpson’s leadership and work ethic as foundational to the team’s recent surge.

“He’s got the locker room,” said wide receiver Ryan Williams. “Everyone’s buying into what he brings — calm energy, but also fire when it’s time to go.”

Safety Bray Hubbard, who had two interceptions against Wisconsin, believes the team is peaking at the right time.“We’ve taken great steps, but we can’t let up. The bye week’s not a break — it’s a chance to climb.”

The energy inside Bryant-Denny Stadium has reflected the team’s momentum. Fans have packed the stands early, and the roar following Williams’ 75-yard touchdown against Wisconsin felt like a turning point — not just in the game, but potentially in the season.

Alabama ready to roll in SEC? 

Ty Simpson’s early-season surge has put Alabama back in the national spotlight. While the road ahead is lined with playoff-caliber opponents, the Crimson Tide are trending in the right direction — and Simpson is a big reason why. If he continues this level of play through October and November, don’t be surprised if Alabama finds itself back in the College Football Playoff conversation.

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