Alabama football’s quarterback battle isn’t technically settled. However, Ty Simpson remains the frontrunner after spring practice, and the Crimson Tide’s coaches have been high on his potential.

Now, UA’s future opponents are praising Simpson. After the redshirt junior attended the Manning Passing Academy recently, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had kind words for his rival.

“I love Ty, he can spin the football,” Nussmeier told reporters at SEC media days in Atlanta Monday. “He’s a really, really good player, and so I’m looking forward to watching him this season and excited for him as well.”

Simpson wasn’t the only potential first-year starter to attend the Manning academy. The camp’s namesake family was represented by Texas’ Arch Manning.

Manning will speak to reporters in Atlanta later in the week. Before that, Nussmeier praised the heir to the nation’s most famous football family’s legacy.

“He’s a really good player Nussmeier said of Manning. “I’m definitely rooting for him. He’s waited his time. Kind of went through a similar experience that I did, waiting for an opportunity. So I think he’s prepared and ready to go, so I’m very excited for him.”

Nussmeier faced the Crimson Tide last season in Baton Rouge, when Alabama, led by Jalen Milroe, crushed the Tigers. LSU will make the return trip to Tuscaloosa this season, where it last played in 2023, another Alabama win.

Simpson served as Alabama’s backup behind Milroe for the past two seasons. He competed for the starting job ahead of the 2023 campaign, but did not win the battle.

However, he doesn’t have the starting spot completely in the bag yet. Simpson is competing with fellow returnee Austin Mack, as well as five-star true freshman Keelon Russell.

New UA offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said Simpson would be starting for Alabama if the season had begun immediately after spring ball.

“(Simpson) earned that, okay?” Grubb said. “And I know that’s the line everybody’s looking for, but that is what he earned. Austin Mack made huge strides, also available reps were the same, you know, and he did a really good job. He came out and developed. Just with some of the nuances and take care of the football and things like that, but Ty showed out a little bit better.”

Alabama will begin preseason camp in early August. The Crimson Tide opens the 2025 season with a trip to Tallahassee to face Florida State on Aug. 30.