With the crowning of Jalen Milroe, Alabama ended a months-long quarterback competition. It also started another. Who’s Milroe’s backup?

Milroe had demonstrated the big play ability and leadership to regain the title of QB1. The other contenders, Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson, each earned significant snaps last Saturday against USF and performed to varying degrees behind a shaky offensive line.

Speaking with the media before the No. 13 Tide (2-1) host No. 15 Ole Miss (3-0), Saban said it would be Simpson to replace Milroe if needed in Week 4.

“Right now, Ty Simpson has been getting most of the work with the 2s (second team). I thought he did a good job when he went in the game. So, he’s kind of earned the right to be in that position. I’m sure he’ll continue to try to compete and get better.

“We want to develop every player that we have at that position and continue to work with all those guys so they all get reps and have a chance to improve.”

Simpson was the first thrower off the bench in Week 1 against Middle Tennessee State, mainly appearing with the Tide lead well in hand. Simpson then replaced Buchner at South Florida and led two scoring drives in the 17-3 win.

In 2023, Simpson completed six of 10 passes for 78 yards, he’s also carried the ball twice for 11 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson was a five-star in the class of 2022 and appeared in four games as a freshman.

“I thought he did OK,” Saban said of Simpson’s performance against USF. “He made a couple really good throws. We missed a couple big play throws that – you know, we’ve been making some of those, but I thought he played well. He managed the game well. We ran the ball quite a bit when he was in there. I don’t think the sacks were necessarily his fault.”

Buchner scored a rushing touchdown against MTSU before starting against the Bulls. He’s gone 8-for-19 passing with 61 yards overall. He transferred to Alabama from Notre Dame over the summer.

It was during Southeastern Conference play a year ago when the Tide needed its backup quarterback. Bryce Young injured his shoulder at Arkansas and forced Milroe into a leading role. He delivered one touchdown on the ground and one through the air in a comeback victory.

The Tide begin SEC play this weekend against the Rebels and head coach Lane Kiffin. It’ll also be a return to Tuscaloosa for Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].