© Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Alabama football team will soon travel to Tallahassee to face Florida State in Week 1. The season opening matchup features two of the sport’s most notable teams undergoing change at quarterback.
The Seminoles will call upon Tommy Castellanos, who has starting experience in the ACC. The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, will turn to veteran backup Ty Simpson.
The contest is set to kick off at 3:30 PM on Saturday afternoon. Rain is anticipated.
Folks are still trying to forget the last time the Tide played a rain game in the state of Florida. Interestingly enough, it was Simpson’s second half effort that got Alabama the win in that instance.
Alabama football needs Ty Simpson to be mediocre.
He was asked about expectations ahead of his 2025 debut. He’s hoping to shake the nerves that have hindered his play in the past.
“I asked him… what do I need tell myself going into a game like this? How to not get so anxious, how to not get nervous, how to not make it bigger than what it is?” – Ty Simpson on his recent conversation with former Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/ycyYrdZFiC
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 26, 2025
Simpson says he was anxious the last time he took a meaningful snap. A 2023 contest vs. South Florida was his opportunity to take the reins in an uncertain Alabama QB room.
He struggled, going 5-9 from the field with 73 yards. While he did lead two second half touchdown drives to break a 3-3 halftime tie, he slipped back down the depth chart.
It was a mixed bag for the Crimson Tide in that contest. Simpson hopes to be a bit more effective this time around.
Still, no one is asking he be a world beater. In fact, his former coach suggested that mediocrity equals success.
“[Coach Saban] was like, ‘Play within yourself. Make sure you keep your team out of negative plays,'” the passer said. “He always said that if you end the drive with a [kick], either a PAT, a field goal, or a punt then you’re in good shape.”
Essentially, Saban told him to avoid sacks and turnovers. There was no mention about striving to be great. Ty Simpson doesn’t need a 300-yard game for the Crimson Tide to win.
Alabama just needs him to manage the offense, pick up a few points when possible, and keep his defense out of bad situations.
The Crimson Tide defense is preparing for Tommy Castellanos.
The Boston College transfer boasts experience and confidence. He’s been heard taking swipes at his opponent throughout the offseason.
Castellanos is a dual threat with the ability to create plays outside the pocket. To prep the defense for his athleticism, Alabama has turned to a former five-star football prospect.
Jaylen Mbakwe is reportedly running the scout team offense. He’s provided a preview of what to expect in terms of Castellanos’s shiftiness.
Mbakwe was a state championship winning quarterback in high school. He made the move to defensive back, and later to wideout after moving to college.
Alabama 5-Star commit Jaylen Mbakwe @JayMbakwe gets shifty for his 2nd TD of the night.
He has the potential to be special on either side of the football at the next level. pic.twitter.com/hQ4KpQUzIX
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) September 9, 2023
Mbakwe is giving the Alabama defense a look at what to expect from Florida State. The preparation will allow the Crimson Tide to make Tommy Castellanos eat his words.
“Disrespect will be addressed accordingly,” said defensive lineman LT Overton. That would help make Ty Simpson’s life easier on the other side of the ball.