Alabama’s current starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, left the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana with an in‑game injury and was replaced by backup Austin Mack.

Quick Scoop

  • Ty Simpson exited the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026, after suffering what has been reported as a right‑side injury (described in reports as a fractured or cracked rib) during Alabama’s CFP quarterfinal vs. No. 1 Indiana.
  • After Simpson went out late in the first half, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack came in as Alabama’s quarterback and led the team’s only scoring drive, which ended in a short field goal in an otherwise lopsided 38–3 loss.
  • The injury has also triggered a lot of discussion about Alabama’s future at quarterback, with Simpson weighing whether to enter the 2026 NFL Draft or return, while Mack is being talked about as either a potential 2026 starter in Tuscaloosa or a transfer portal candidate looking for a starting job elsewhere.

Latest News Angle

  • Coverage of the game notes that Simpson had been projected as a possible first‑round NFL prospect and now faces a “life‑altering” decision on declaring for the 2026 draft or staying at Alabama for another season after the Rose Bowl loss and his injury.
  • At the same time, Alabama observers point out that Mack’s solid relief performance (11‑of‑16 passing for 103 yards) could either push him into the starting conversation for 2026 if Simpson leaves, or into the portal if Simpson comes back and keeps the QB1 job.

Forum and Fan Discussion

  • On forums and social channels, the trending topic around “what happened to Alabama’s starting quarterback” is centered on Simpson’s in‑game injury, Alabama’s offensive struggles against Indiana, and what the QB depth chart will look like heading into 2026.
  • Many fans are framing the situation as a crossroads:
    • If Simpson goes to the NFL, Mack and highly‑touted freshman Keelon Russell could battle for the job.
    • If Simpson returns, Mack may look for a clear starting opportunity via the transfer portal during the early‑January window.

In short: Simpson didn’t lose the job off the field; he was knocked out of the Rose Bowl by injury, which opened the door for Mack and stirred up a fresh round of speculation about Alabama’s quarterback future.

Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.