Alabama’s Quarterback Future on the Line as Ty Simpson Faces Defining Playoff Test
When Alabama takes the field against Oklahoma in Friday’s first-round College Football Playoff matchup (8 p.m. ET, ABC), there’s more at stake than just a shot at a national title. This game could be the turning point in the Crimson Tide’s quarterback future - and for junior Ty Simpson, it’s a chance to either cement his place as Alabama’s guy or open the door for a new era under center.
Let’s be clear: Simpson’s journey this season has been a tale of two halves. Early on, he looked like a rising star - poised, efficient, and in command of the offense.
But over the past month, that momentum has stalled. His performance in the SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia was a sobering reminder that while the tools are there, the consistency isn’t - at least not yet.
NFL scouts have taken notice. One draft analyst noted that Simpson’s rawness still shows, pointing out that the Georgia game marked just his 13th career start.
That kind of inexperience is hard to hide against elite defenses. Another evaluator gave Simpson a first-round grade but flagged his recent stagnation as a concern.
The message? A strong playoff run could vault Simpson into serious 2026 draft consideration.
But a poor showing might just as easily push him back to campus next fall.
And that’s where things get complicated in Tuscaloosa.
Simpson’s numbers tell the story. In his first eight games this season, he completed nearly 68% of his passes, averaged 273 yards per game, and had a sparkling 20-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Since the Week 10 bye? The drop-off has been noticeable: 58.7% completions, just under 217 yards per game, and a 6-to-4 TD-to-INT line.
That kind of regression has raised eyebrows - and questions.
Alabama’s offense hasn’t offered much help. With the run game sputtering, Simpson has had to carry more of the load - and defenses know it.
That’s a tall order against an Oklahoma team that’s built its identity on defense this season. If Simpson can’t shake off his recent slump, Alabama’s playoff run could be short-lived.
But the stakes go beyond this game.
Waiting in the wings is Keelon Russell, the five-star freshman and No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class. He’s the kind of dual-threat quarterback who could completely reshape Alabama’s offense - especially if the Tide want to revive their ground game.
If Simpson stays, Russell could explore the transfer portal. If Simpson leaves, the door might swing wide open for Russell to take over.
It’s a delicate balance. Alabama fans have seen this movie before - think back to 2017, when Nick Saban made the bold move to bench Jalen Hurts for freshman Tua Tagovailoa in the national championship.
That decision changed the trajectory of the program. Now, new head coach Kalen DeBoer could be staring down a similarly pivotal choice if the offense falters on Friday night.
For Simpson, this game is more than a playoff appearance - it’s an audition. A strong performance could silence doubts, boost his draft stock, and give Alabama a clear path forward.
A rough outing? That might force the Tide to look elsewhere for their 2026 starter.
One way or another, Friday night could mark a turning point for Alabama football - and for Ty Simpson’s career.