University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson knows all about the burden of high expectations.
The Martin, Tennessee, native was named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior year at Westview High School in 2021, all while guiding his team to the state championship.
As a highly sought after, five-star recruit out of high school, Simpson received offers from Clemson, Tennessee and Ole Miss, before ultimately choosing to attend Alabama.
After spending three seasons as a backup behind quarterbacks Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, Simpson was named Alabama’s starting quarterback ahead of the 2025 season .
Following a season-opening loss to Florida State, Simpson and the Crimson Tide were able to right the ship enough to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff — which didn’t sit well with all college football fans, some who believed Alabama was undeserving of the recognition with three losses on their schedule.
However, that chip on the shoulder was just extra motivation for Simpson.
“Forget the world,” Simpson told reporters on Saturday, December 27, ahead of his team’s showdown with No. 1 ranked Indiana in the Rose Bowl. “It’s all about Alabama. It’s the mindset going in and it’s going to be the mindset forevermore.”
For more on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, keep reading.
Ty Simpson’s Dad Is a Celebrated College Football Coach
Ty Simpson’s father, Jason Simpson, has been the head football coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin since 2006.
A former quarterback at Mississippi State, Jason also played baseball at Southern Miss, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Jason and his wife, Julie Simpson, also share daughter Emma and son Graham, who played basketball and football at Westview High, respectively.
Given their busy, individual Saturday schedules, Jason explained how they keep in touch on game days.
“I’m still a dad first and foremost,” Jason told The Tennessean in November 2025. “I try to keep up with [Ty] as good as I can and then go back later and watch his games. We’re very blessed that I get to do something that I’m passionate about and I love and he gets to do the same thing.”
Ty Simpson’s Mom Julie Has Been a Pillar of Support
Ty Simpson’s mother, Julie Simpson, has seen a lot over her decades as a football wife and mom — but even she couldn’t contain her emotions when Alabama beat archrival Georgia in September 2025.
“He’s loved this game since he was a little bitty boy,” Julie told AL.com after the game with “tears flowing” down her face. “He grew up in the locker room and on the field, and to watch him go out there and play and do it like he’s always dreamed of … And he waited so patiently and knew he could do it. It was just a huge blessing.”
Ty Simpson’s Dog, Rip, Has an Instagram Account
Ty Simpson’s goldendoodle, Rip, has become a social media celebrity of his own.
Rip, named after Cole Hauser’s Yellowstone character, joined Instagram in July 2025.
“Hi everyone! It’s official — I’m on Instagram,” Rip — or, more likely, a member of Rip’s human family — wrote. “Name’s Rip. I run the yard, chase balls better than anyone, and proudly hold the title of Tuscaloosa’s top dog and QB’s #1 protector.”
Ty Simpson Is a Devout Christian
“I want people to know, ‘Hey, I’m a Christian first and then I’m a football player,’” Ty said on the “Hey Coach” show with Alabama head coach, Kalen Deboer, in August. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
Ty also pointed to his father for inspiring him to be a leader and guiding him in his faith.
“Growing up, him being a coach is what I want to be one day,” Ty said. “The way that I saw him be in his program every day, [saw] him talk to his guys just about, one, being a Christian — just giving the Word to other guys has been really cool to me. Another thing is how passionate he is about football. We both love the game, it kind of brought us together.”
Ty Simpson Has Made the Most of His NIL Evaluation
According to On3.com, Ty Simpson had a $2.3 million name, image and likeness (NIL) valuation in 2025, the 14th-highest of any collegiate athlete.
Ty wasn’t hesitant to cash in on the opportunities at his feet, either.
A quick glance at his Instagram page shows partnerships with brands like Gatorade, Raising Cane’s and Hollister.
