Kalen DeBoer’s second season as Alabama’s head coach comes with sky-high expectations. But there’s one decision that could define his tenure: he didn’t bring in a transfer quarterback. This isn’t necessarily a criticism—at least not yet. It’s simply a fact, and one that could shape Alabama’s 2025 season.
Instead of chasing proven talent from the transfer portal, DeBoer has put his faith in Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit with limited game experience. The question is: will this bold move pay off? Let’s dive into what this decision means for Alabama’s future.
Why DeBoer Didn’t Add a Transfer Quarterback
In today’s college football landscape, it’s common for teams to secure transfer quarterbacks to fill roster gaps quickly. In fact, five of the eight starting quarterbacks in the recent College Football Playoff were transfers. But DeBoer took a different approach, sticking with the talent already on Alabama’s roster.
So, why didn’t DeBoer go after a transfer QB?
- Confidence in Ty Simpson: DeBoer clearly saw enough potential in Simpson during practice to believe he could lead the team. Despite only throwing 50 passes over three seasons, Simpson’s development behind the scenes might have impressed the coaching staff.
- Roster Continuity: DeBoer likely wanted to maintain team chemistry. Bringing in a high-profile transfer could have disrupted the locker room dynamics.
- Belief in Development: Known for his quarterback development skills, DeBoer seems confident he can mold Simpson into a championship-caliber player, just like he did with quarterbacks at Washington.
The Pressure on Ty Simpson
Make no mistake—this is Ty Simpson’s job to lose. While true freshman Keelon Russell and backup Austin Mack will compete, Simpson has the inside track. The pressure is immense, though. Alabama isn’t just any program; it’s a school where anything less than national championship contention is considered a failure.
Simpson has waited patiently for this opportunity. As DeBoer said at the Senior Bowl, Simpson has been building relationships and preparing for this moment. Now, it’s time to see if that preparation pays off on the field.
Comparing DeBoer’s Decision to Other Coaches
To understand the risks of DeBoer’s decision, look no further than Alabama’s rival, Auburn. Last season, Auburn’s coach Hugh Freeze stuck with Payton Thorne instead of pursuing a transfer. That choice backfired, as Thorne struggled and Auburn endured another losing season.
Freeze learned from his mistake, securing Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold this offseason. Arnold is expected to thrive with Auburn’s talented offensive weapons, showcasing the benefits of adapting to the modern transfer-heavy era.
On the flip side, DeBoer’s decision mirrors the old-school approach of Nick Saban, who rarely relied on transfer quarterbacks. Saban’s system worked for years, but college football has evolved. Whether DeBoer’s vintage strategy holds up remains to be seen.
Can Simpson Be the Next Carson Beck?
While it’s rare for a quarterback to sit on the bench for three seasons and then excel, there are exceptions. Take Carson Beck at Georgia, for example. He spent three years as a backup before becoming one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in 2023, leading Georgia to the College Football Playoff.
If Simpson follows a similar path, DeBoer’s faith in him will be praised as a brilliant move. However, if Simpson struggles, critics will point to this decision as a major misstep—similar to what happened with Freeze at Auburn.
The Stakes for DeBoer’s Second Season
DeBoer’s honeymoon at Alabama is over. After a disappointing first season, the pressure is on to deliver results. Nick Saban won 12 games in his second year; that’s the kind of turnaround Alabama fans expect from DeBoer.
Ultimately, this quarterback decision will define DeBoer’s legacy. If Simpson thrives, it’ll showcase DeBoer’s eye for talent and ability to develop quarterbacks. But if Simpson falters, the blame will land squarely on DeBoer’s shoulders.
Kalen DeBoer’s choice to trust Ty Simpson over a transfer quarterback is a bold move in today’s college football world. It’s a gamble that could either solidify his reputation as a quarterback guru or expose a critical flaw in his roster strategy.
The upcoming season will reveal whether this decision was genius or a gamble gone wrong. For now, all eyes are on Simpson to prove his coach right.
