Ty Simpson Pleads to Alabama Fans as Calls Mount for Keelon Russell Decision

Ty Simpson’s first start as Alabama’s QB was anything but smooth. The junior struggled after halftime, completing just 13 of 29 passes for 167 yards. But that’s not all. He also took two costly sacks that stalled drives and shifted momentum. So after the game, Simpson faced the questions head-on, vowing to regroup. And now, the young QB is determined to get the Crimson Tide back on track after a stunning 31-17 loss to FSU.

On August 30, Alabama insider Charlie Potter reported on Ty Simpson’s postgame promise. The young quarterback didn’t shy away from responsibility. “I’ve got to look in the mirror, I’ve got to quit taking sacks,” stated Simpson. “I’ve got to make sure I give my guys chances to catch the ball. I look back out at it, and our fringe game, our high red zone, wasn’t very good. And that’s all on me.” Then came his closing message to Crimson Tide fans.

Well, Ty Simpson closed his postgame remarks with a vow to his team and the Alabama faithful. “I promise you one thing, and that goes to every Alabama fan and my teammates: I’m going to work hard to make sure we get this fixed. We’re going to make sure that we get this right,” remarked Simpson. But Simpson only made flashes at times in the game.

The quarterback finished the night 23-of-43 for 254 yards. Moreover, he racked up two touchdowns, avoiding interceptions despite the loss. Now, he turns the page. But Alabama fans weren’t buying Simpson’s plea. Why? Because options are waiting in the wings. Third-year sophomore Austin Mack is on the roster, along with true freshman Keelon Russell. Russell, a five-star recruit out of Duncanville, Texas, was the first QB to commit to Alabama under Kalen DeBoer. He enrolled early, impressed in spring ball, and has continued to draw praise from DeBoer through fall camp. Here, Tide fans know the future may already be on campus.

Although no one doubts Ty Simpson’s talent, the pressure in Tuscaloosa is different. The former five-star finally earned the QB1 job in 2025, proving his patience and grit. Nick Saban once praised his “loyalty and mental toughness,” while Kalen DeBoer called him “confident, not arrogant.” Even teammates backed him, with OL Kadyn Proctor saying, “He’s a fiery leader. He gets us going.” Moreover, Simpson shone in camp, tossing just one interception and flashing his dual-threat game. But in the wake of Alabama’s rocky start, fans are already eyeing the future, and the hype around five-star freshman Keelon Russell is only getting louder.

Alabama fans already have their pick at QB, and it’s not Ty Simpson

Although Ty Simpson vowed to bounce back after the opening loss to FSU, Alabama fans weren’t shy about voicing their frustrations online. One fan didn’t hold back and said, “Ty Simpson looked terrified and clueless. He can’t handle pressure, and his questionable decision-making becomes much worse under duress. Bama can’t take a chance of losing Keelon Russell to the transfer portal when Simpson has so such a low ceiling.” Another kept it short and sharp: “The fact that Austin Mack or Keelon Russell didn’t see the field is insane.” More fan comments kept rolling in…

Ty Simpson’s snaps on Saturday sparked a new wave of concern among Alabama fans. The fear? That if Keelon Russell doesn’t get his shot soon, the Tide could lose him to the portal. And one fan sounded the alarm, stating, “Alabama is going to lose a superstar Quarterback to the portal in Keelon Russell if he doesn’t get a chance here soon…Ty Simpson, he’s been patient and learned a lot. Great kid. Russell just has the ‘IT’ factor that we have learned to love like the stars Saban had!” Another kept it blunt, saying, “How long till Keelon Russell gets his shot?” And the frustration only grew louder online.

One fan fired off, stating, “If Kalen DeBoer wants support of the fan base, he needs to adapt and adjust. Kevin Riley needs to be the starting RB, and Keelon Russell should get action next week.” Another didn’t hold back at all: “I’m not going to keep letting Alabama embarrass me like this. We don’t have a QB. I was pushing for Keelon Russell to start because Ty is a–.” So, the Tide may still be early in the season, but the patience of their fans already feels razor-thin.