Ty Simpson’s Falling Stocks Addressed in Huge Keelon Russell Revelation as Kalen DeBoer Warned About Alabama Nation’s True Feelings

Every spring in Tuscaloosa brings the same old tune: Who’s the next quarterback? But this time, the song feels different. The names on the table—Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack—each bring their own flavor. But with Mack trailing behind, the real spotlight is flickering between Simpson and Russell. And while the coaches are preaching patience and competition, the fanbase? Not quite buying what they’re selling. The energy surrounding Ty Simpson isn’t exactly electric, and that says a lot in a town where quarterbacks are supposed to be royalty.

Let’s not act like Ty Simpson is some walk-on. He was the No. 1 quarterback in the country according to On3 when he committed to Alabama. Five-star credentials, big-arm potential, and the type of athleticism that gets scouts whispering. But in this what-have-you-done-lately era, that past hype is fading fast. What fans remember is a soggy, uninspiring win over South Florida and that infamous 79-yard run against Chattanooga, where Simpson dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. You don’t get second chances in Tuscaloosa for mistakes like that—not without proving something special afterward.

Earlier this month, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb threw Simpson a lifeline, unprompted: “At the end of the day, if we’re playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start.” A bold endorsement. But the fan reaction? More shrug than celebration. The Crimson Tide faithful aren’t buzzing—they’re bracing. The Bama faithful aren’t buying stock just yet. Ty’s got the lead on paper, but outside the building, fans are side-eyeing like, ‘Keelon Russell’s a 5-star, let’s play him.’ The Bama fans almost forgot that Ty Simpson was also a 5-star.

The truth? Fans don’t really feel Ty Simpson. Not because they hate him—nah, it’s worse: they just haven’t seen enough to care. And when they have seen him, it hasn’t helped his case. Locked On Bama’s Luke Robinson didn’t sugarcoat it. “We doesn’t know much about him; I mean, like, because there’s not a lot out there. And he was—like, I get the sentiment that fans aren’t super fired up about him. And I go, ‘Yeah, because we have seen him,’ you know?” he said. Luke doubles down: “The only thing we’ve got to see him do really was play some snaps against South Florida. And one thing I forgot about—that came directly after the Texas loss.”

And that game? Ugly. Alabama dragged itself to a 17–3 win in a post-Texas funk. Milroe got benched, the team looked lost, and Ty? He went 5-of-9 for 73 yards and got sacked five times. Yeah, not exactly Bryce Young 2.0. And obviously that 79-yard indirect fumble. That’s what fans remember. That, and not much else. And when you don’t give them anything to cling to, they cling to someone else. Cue Keelon Russell.

The reality behind Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell’s situation

Keelon Russell isn’t just another name in the QB mix—he is that guy. Ranked No. 2 in the 2025 class behind only Bryce Underwood, Russell pulled up to Tuscaloosa with fireworks in his backpack. Five-star swagger, laser arm, and charisma you can’t coach. Naturally, fans are literally hyped. It’s the shiny new toy syndrome.

Jimmy Stein broke it down. “The reason that Spencer and other national guys are sort of down on Ty is basically recency effect,” he said. “Everyone knows Keelon Russell’s a five-star, or kind of a superstar-type prospect.” And in today’s world? Five-star QBs walk in with built-in fandom. But here’s the irony—Ty was that 5-star too. “People forget,” Stein added. “Ty Simpson was also a five-star. As a matter of fact, On3 Industry ranking had Ty Simpson as the number one quarterback in the country. People don’t remember that because it was 4 recruiting cycles ago.” Feels like a different era. Back when Saban was running the show and Milroe hadn’t thrown a college pass yet. Now? The memories have faded, and the glow’s gone.

Still, this isn’t just hype-vs-hype. There are layers. Keelon Russell might be the future, but Ty’s still standing in the present. And while Ty isn’t flashy, the staff likes him. He knows the system; he’s not afraid to tuck it and run, and despite the chatter, he hasn’t folded. Plus, the staff isn’t just handing this to anyone. Kalen DeBoer said it straight—everyone’s rotating. They’re not just naming a starter for hype’s sake. They want the best fit. And right now, Ty holds the edge because he’s been there, repped the program, and survived the lows. But here’s the wild card: Bama fans are impatient. They want fireworks, not field goals. And if Ty comes out slow in Week 1, best believe the crowd’s going to chant for Russell. Loudly.

So it’s a classic setup—safe vs. crazy. Harassment vs. Flirting. Familiar vs. flashy. Ty vs. Keelon. Either way, Alabama is in a decent spot. “Either Ty’s going to be good,” Stein said, “or we’re going to get to see Keelon. And aren’t both of those things exciting?” Can’t argue that. Still, DeBoer’s clock is ticking. If Ty doesn’t silence the noise early, that leash is going to be short. Keelon’s waiting, five stars and all. And Bama Nation? They’re watching. Not with anger. Not even frustration. Just that quiet silence that says, ‘Show me something.’

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