University of Alabama Marshal Ty Simpson knows all about the burden of high expectations.
The Martin, Tenn., 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.
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 the quarterbacks Bryce Young i Jalen MilroeSimpson was named Alabama’s starting quarterback prior to the 2025 season.
After an opening loss against 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 felt Alabama didn’t deserve recognition with three losses on its schedule.
However, that chip on his shoulder was just extra motivation for Simpson.
“Forget about the world,” Simpson told reporters on Saturday, Dec. 27, before his team’s matchup with No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl. “It’s all about Alabama. It’s the mindset going in and it’s going to be the mindset forever.”
For more on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, read on.
Ty Simpson’s father is a famous college football coach
Ty Simpson’s father, Jason Simpsonhas 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 Simpsonalso shares a daughter Emma and son Grahamwho played basketball and football at Westview High, respectively.
Given their busy and individual Saturday schedules, Jason explained how they keep in touch on game days.
“First of all, I’m still a father,” Jason said The Tennessee in November 2025. “I try to keep up with (Ty) as much as I can and then come back later and watch his games. We’re very fortunate that he gets to do something that I’m passionate about and love and he gets to do the same.”
Ty Simpson’s mother, Julie, has been a pillar of support
Ty Simpson’s mom, Julie Simpson, has seen a lot in 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 kid,” Julie said AL.com after the game with “tears streaming” down his face. “He grew up in the locker room and on the field, and to see him go out and play and do it like he’s always dreamed of. … And he waited so patiently and knew he could do it. It was a huge blessing.”
Ty Simpson’s dog Rip has an Instagram account
Ty Simpson’s goldendoodle Rip has become a social media celebrity.
Rip, named after him Cole Hauser‘s Yellowstone character, has joined Instagram in July 2025.
“Hey everyone! It’s official: I’m on Instagram,” wrote Rip, or more likely a member of Rip’s human family. “Name’s Rip. I run the yard, chase balls better than anyone and proudly hold the title of Top Dog in Tuscaloosa and #1 QB Protector.”
Ty Simpson is a devout Christian
“I want people to know, ‘Hey, I’m a Christian first and a football player second,'” Ty told the “hello coach” show with alabama head coach, Kalen Deboerin 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.
Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza spilled some details about his seemingly innocent post-Heisman Trophy ceremony celebration. Days after becoming the first Indiana Hoosier in history to win the Heisman, awarded annually to the best player in college football, on Saturday, Dec. 13, Mendoza, 22, was asked, “What’s harder: recovering from (…)
“Growing up, being a coach is what I want to be one day,” Ty said. “The way I watched him on his show every day, I saw him talk to his guys just about, one, being a Christian; just giving other guys the floor has been really cool for me. Another thing is how passionate he is about football. We both love the game, it brought us together.”
Ty Simpson has made the most of his NIL rating
according to On3.comTy Simpson had a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) valuation of $2.3 million in 2025, the 14th highest of any collegiate athlete.
Ty also didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the opportunities at his feet.
A look at her Instagram page shows collaborations with brands like Gatorade, Raising Cane’s and Hollister.