Alabama football’s quarterback position will be played much differently in 2025. With Ty Simpson leading the offense, provided he holds off Austin Mack and Keelon Russell for the starting spot during preseason camp, UA won’t have quite the athletic threat that Milroe provided, but the Crimson Tide will hope for more consistency.

Still, there was plenty that the redshirt junior took away from the Tide’s former starter.

“I learned a lot from Jalen,” Simpson said in an interview from WGNO-TV at the Manning Passing Academy. “He’s one of the guys, best I’ve ever seen take care of his body. He was always in there at five in the morning, taking care of his body in the cold tub and getting treatment. That’s something I’ve kind of taken now, as the oldest guy in the room, getting there first and making sure I take care of my body so I can be able to perform on Saturdays and be able to be the best guy I can be.”

Simpson competed with Milroe for the starting quarterback position ahead of the 2023 season. After Milroe, now with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, won the job, Simpson opted to remain as a backup for two seasons, rather than enter the transfer portal.

The Tennessee native shared what he admired about his former teammate on Friday.

“Jalen is a tough dude, man,” Simpson said.” I saw some hits on the sideline and I was like, ‘I don’t know how he got up from that.’ Just how athletic and how freakish he was. Not only that, but being able to beat defenses with his legs but also making defenses stay true to their zone tendencies and be able to throw it over their head.”

Alabama coaches said after spring practice that Simpson was the clubhouse leader for the starting job. He’s battling fellow returnee Mack, along with true freshman Russell.

Those two are still in contention, but Simpson can shut the door with a strong performance in preseason camp, which will begin in early August.

“It’s what I dreamed of. It’s what I stayed for here at the University of Alabama. I’m just excited. I love all my teammates, and those guys have worked hard. I just need to do my part and make sure that they have confidence in me, and they know I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure we win the game.”

Alabama opens the 2025 season on the road at Florida State on Aug. 30.