The 2025 season could be the turning point for Alabama football. Head coach Kalen DeBoer’s choice under center is key to determining which direction that turning point will head.

The best bet is on the Crimson Tide head coach selecting Ty Simpson as the starter, mainly because he has preparing for this role over the past three years. A strong reason could be his being the most experienced QB among blue chip freshman Keelon Ruseell and Washington transfer Austin Mack.

But what if Simpson doesn’t work out? The stakes are too high for DeBoer not to consider the possibility.

USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer stressed the consequences and shared skepticism about Simpson’s qualifications.

“If Simpson thrives, he’ll become a great tale of patience paying off. If he fizzles, DeBoer will rightfully head toward the hot seat,” Toppmeyer said, backing up his hunch with strong reasons.

“I view someone who’s been a three-year backup with skepticism in this microwave age of college football. If Simpson possesses top-tier SEC quarterback abilities, why did he spend the past three seasons on Alabama’s bench?”

During his three years on the bench, Simpson got a lone start against South Florida in 2023 which “didn’t inspire confidence.”

The hope is that there’s a Carson Beck-esque rise coming. It’s not out of the realm of possibility with the coaching staff’s acumen and incoming talent. It’s certainly not guaranteed either.

However, it would be a sheer waste of resources for DeBoer not to give Simpson a chance due to apprehension of things going awry. Although the risk is big enough to threaten his position in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer is most likely giving Simpson a chance to sink or swim.

A-Day awaits on April 12.