In a stunning turn of events, former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has flipped his commitment, leaving the Crimson Tide faithful in shock and pledging his future to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The highly touted signal-caller, who entered the transfer portal after two seasons in Tuscaloosa, had initially decommitted from another program before making his final decision to join Shane Beamer’s squad in Columbia. The move, announced late Monday, marks a seismic shift for both programs as the 2025 season looms.
Simpson, a former five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee, arrived at Alabama in 2022 with sky-high expectations. However, he struggled to secure meaningful playing time behind Jalen Milroe, appearing in just nine games over two years, completing 22 of 36 passes for 239 yards. Despite his pedigree, the crowded quarterback room in Tuscaloosa—combined with a new coaching regime under Kalen DeBoer—pushed Simpson to seek a fresh start. After flirting with other Power Four programs, he’s now all-in with the Gamecocks.
For South Carolina, landing Simpson is a coup. Beamer’s program has been on an upward trajectory, and adding a talent like Simpson could ignite an offense that showed promise in 2024 with LaNorris Sellers at the helm. Simpson brings elite arm strength, mobility, and untapped potential, offering a dynamic option as the Gamecocks aim to compete in the SEC’s brutal landscape. Beamer called Simpson “a game-changer” in a statement, hinting at a potential quarterback competition that could define the team’s 2025 campaign.
Alabama fans, meanwhile, are left reeling. Simpson’s departure thins an already transitioning roster, though DeBoer’s recruiting prowess may soften the blow. For Simpson, it’s a chance to rewrite his story. In Columbia, the red carpet’s out—he’s a Gamecock now, and the SEC just got a little more interesting.
