Paul Finebaum drops verdict on Ty Simpson 5 days after Ryan Williams spilled the beans on Alabama QB1 battle

Ty Simpson was confirmed to be leading the Alabama starting quarterback race at the end of the spring camp by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Many anticipate the redshirt junior to eventually win the job in the fall, replacing Jalen Milroe he backed up for two seasons.

On the Tuesday episode of “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum shared his honest thoughts on Simpson. While the veteran broadcaster acknowledged the quarterback’s huge potential, he highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the situation.

“I think he is capable,” Finebaum said. “But I don't really know any more than that. I know DeBoer is comfortable with him. I think he has a lot of upside. It's almost impossible to say without having seen him play.”

Finebaum’s words on Ty Simpson are coming five days after wide receiver Ryan Williams commented on the quarterback situation at Alabama on ESPN's "College GameDay" podcast. The sophomore acknowledges the talents of the three options, but confirms that Simpson is likely to be throwing to him next season.

“I just feel like the tape speaks for itself,” Williams said. “We have three very good quarterbacks and either way that it goes, I’m comfortable and confident in any of those guys just because I’ve seen the work that they put in. They all have different tendencies, like you said, Ty Simpson is the frontrunner right now.”

Paul Finebaum continues to maintain uncertainty around Ty Simpson and the Alabama quarterback situation

Paul Finebaum's take on Ty Simpson and the quarterback situation at Alabama isn't new. The analyst knows the challenge of replacing the program's long streak of standout quarterbacks.

In his appearance on “SportsCenter” in April, Finebaum offered insight into the quarterback competition, emphasizing the uncertainty around the situation.

“You know the history on Alabama quarterbacks in recent years,” Finebaum said. “They’ve had [Tua] Tagovailoa. They’ve had Mac Jones. They’ve had Bryce Young. Last year they had Milroe. They’ve all been candidates for the Heisman. Right now, they don’t know.”

“Ty Simpson has been around a couple of years. Austin Mack came over from Washington with the head coach, Kalen DeBoer. The one everybody is excited about is Keelon Russell. He’s a brand-new freshman. He’s a five-star. But the problem is we don’t know, and that’s not a good sign for Alabama.”

Should Simpson take over as the starting signal caller next season, he'll face a significant challenge. Coming off the worst season since 2007, he must lead the team to success and restore fans' confidence in Kalen DeBoer.