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Alabama’s rise in the College Football Playoff picture has plenty to do with the steady hand of quarterback Ty Simpson, whose poise and precision continue to draw high praise, even from Crimson Tide greats. Former Alabama safety Eddie Jackson, now with the Chicago Bears, said Simpson’s confidence and composure remind him of veteran players who have already seen it all. “I didn’t know too much about him,” Jackson told Videogamer. “I was talking to Ha Ha (Clinton-Dix), and Ha Ha was telling me good things about him. But seeing his poise, he’s acting like he’s been there before. To have a confident quarterback playing at that level right now, we know that’s very dangerous. Especially having the weapons he has around him. But him handling everything so calmly, he’s playing at a very high level. And I hear the Heisman talk is starting to come into play with him. He’s hooping right now.” TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 08: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to facing the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Simpson, a redshirt sophomore, has emerged as one of the most efficient passers in college football this season. Through nine games, he has thrown for 2,461 yards with 21 touchdowns and only one interception. He’s also added 86 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Read more: West Weeks Rallies LSU to ‘Ruin’ Alabama’s Season His Heisman Trophy odds on most sportsbooks place him among the top contenders with Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza. Simpson’s 67.8 percent completion rate and 162.6 passer rating have fueled Alabama’s offense, and his calm demeanor under pressure has become a defining trait of the Crimson Tide’s resurgence. That poise was on display again in Alabama’s 20-9 win over LSU last weekend. With only 51 seconds left in the first half and no timeouts, Simpson connected on a deep throw to Lotzeir Brooks for 47 yards, setting up a 13-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Williams two plays later. “Kind of brutal to be honest with you,” Simpson said about the team’s overall deep passing struggles. “There were a couple that were underthrown. There were a couple that were overthrown. Just kind of didn’t find a great rhythm. Being honest. That’s something that we need to work on in practice.” Read more: Nick Saban Reveals What Dabo Swinney Quietly Told Him About Leaving Clemson Simpson finished 21 of 35 for 277 yards and one touchdown, keeping Alabama in control despite a few missed deep shots. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said the offense has shown flashes but needs better timing to fully capitalize. “As far as overall throwing the ball down the field, we haven’t been as consistent as I think we can be,” DeBoer said. “We have the players to do it. There’s just a fine line. A ball just off the fingertips. Timing not quite there. We’ve got to continue to work at that. We’ve shown we can do it.” Even when Alabama’s offense isn’t at its sharpest, Simpson’s leadership and efficiency have kept the team in the hunt, and the Heisman chatter is growing louder. For more Alabama Crimson Tide news and more on college football, head to Newsweek Sports.
