Saturday, September 27th. The Southeast has something big brewing on this date. A wild SEC showdown between Georgia and Alabama. A rematch of last year’s thriller at Denny-Bryant Stadium. Except this year, the QBs are different, and lately, Tide’s Ty Simpson’s name has been on everyone’s lips, and for good reason. CBS Sports’ Aaron Taylor pegged him as a top contender for the Heisman, citing a remarkable bounce back from an early-season stumble. And that’s what both Kalen DeBoer and Kirby Smart see, too. 

On September 25, Crimson Tide Sports Network shared a video of Kalen DeBoer on X, shedding light on Ty Simpson’s evolution on the latest episode of Hey Coach. “One guy that’s really stepped up a lot is our QB. Just really proud of the way Ty has become more vocal,” he said.

Bama HC praised his QB for leading with authenticity and timing. “He’s really grown as a leader that way, and so there are more guys that lead in a vocal way, but I would say those two guys are one offense, one defense, if I had to pick them, it’d be those guys.” The defense guy is safety Bray Hubbard. 

Kalen DeBoer went further, noting that Bray Hubbard’s vocal presence is both genuine and strategic. “Bray is going to be one of those guys that picks and chooses the right time to say the things, and when he speaks, everyone listens because it’s not all the time, but it’s at the right time,” he explained, emphasizing that leadership isn’t just about volume; it’s about knowing when to command attention. So, in a team full of stars, Ty Simpson has emerged as the heartbeat of the offense, guiding younger players and setting the tone under pressure. And the stats tell the same story. 

After a shaky opener against Florida State, Ty Simpson has been untouchable. Over the last two games, he’s gone 41-for-46 for 608 yards and seven touchdowns, with zero interceptions. Against Wisconsin alone, he went 24-for-29 for 382 yards and four scores. Week 2 versus UL Monroe was a perfect 17-for-17, 226 yards, three-TD night for him. So far this season, he has completed 71.9% of his passes for 862 total yards and nine touchdowns, while also chipping in a rushing TD. But now, he faces perhaps his sternest test yet, whose HC has some hot things to say about him. 

Kirby Smart’s hot take on Ty Simpson

Ahead of the big SEC game, Georgia HC Kirby Smart didn’t mince words. Labeling Ty Simpson as “probably the hottest quarterback right now in all of college football,” he acknowledges the weapon Alabama wields under center. “His two last outings, I don’t know, (if) I’ve seen an incompletion,” he said. “The ball does not hit the ground. He’s been accurate. He’s been quick with the ball. They’re really hard to defend because of their skill. They’ve got tremendous skill, receivers, backs, tight ends. But you gotta have a trigger guy that can get those guys the ball, and they do.” And he’s not exaggerating. 

Ty Simpson’s connection with receivers like Ryan Williams, who had over 100 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin, and Germie Bernard, the Crimson Tide’s most consistent target, has Alabama firing on all cylinders. Georgia’s secondary will have to be perfect because the QB is nothing if not lethal when in rhythm. The Tide’s running game, however, is a work in progress. Alabama hasn’t topped 100 rushing yards in two games, but there’s a potential game-changer. Jam Miller. The third-team All-SEC back practiced fully this week, and Kalen DeBoer expects him to play. 

Last year’s 41-34 thriller had jaw-dropping moments from both squads, including Jalen Milroe’s 491 total yards, Ryan Williams’ 75-yard touchdown, and Zabien Brown’s game-sealing interception. Ty Simpson now carries the mantle of Alabama’s resurgence, and with his leadership, accuracy, and newfound confidence, Georgia is about to find out what it means to face the hottest QB in the nation.