Ty Simpson benched vs. Indiana: Explaining why Alabama QB was pulled from Rose Bowl

Ty Simpson benched vs. Indiana: Explaining why Alabama QB was pulled from Rose Bowl originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has been dominated by the Indiana Hoosiers at the Rose Bowl, with the No. 1 team in the country putting its pedal to the medal as they jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead. For the second time in three games, Alabama was held scoreless in the first half.

Midway through the third quarter, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was removed from the game, with the sophomore Austin Mack taking his place. It was called a coach's decision, though Simpson has been dealing with an injury, which appears to be a factor.

Here's why Simpson was benched and the latest updates on the Crimson Tide signal caller.

MORE: Updates, highlights from Alabama vs. Indiana at the Rose Bowl

Was Ty Simpson benched?

Simpson was benched in the third quarter of the Rose Bowl as part of a coach's decision, per the ESPN broadcast.

Alabama starting QB Ty Simpson has been benched as part of a coach's decision, per the ESPN broadcast.

Backup QB Austin Mack is now in the game after Simpson briefly went into the injury tent. pic.twitter.com/ONZ7HSG6W3

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 1, 2026

Head Coach Kalen DeBoer made the decision to bench the hampered starter, giving the team the best chance to mount a comeback against a 24-0 deficit.

Austin Mack is in the game for the Crimson Tide, leading the team to its first points of the game on his first drive. Simpson exited the game completing 12-of-16 passes for 67 yards and no touchdowns, while also fumbling for the game's only turnover so far.

Is Ty Simpson injured?

Though Simpson was not benched only due to injury, it seems to be a factor. The quarterback went to the injury tent briefly and came out, with Mack taking his place on the field.

Here’s Ty Simpson’s reaction to being benched due to injury as a part of a coach’s decision.

Austin Mack in at QB in relief. #RollTide | @CBS_42

pic.twitter.com/v01gtu8UGy

— Jacob Morris (@JacobMorrisTV) January 1, 2026

The injury, which has reportedly hampered him during practice for several weeks, became critically noticeable after a vicious second-quarter hit that resulted in a fumble. While Simpson attempted to play through the issue, reporters noted that after receiving treatment at halftime, he lacked his characteristic "zip" and velocity on the ball during warm-ups, visibly grimacing with every throw.

What happened to Ty Simpson?

Simpson was reportedly nursing an elbow injury that had been a persistent issue late in the season. The injury appeared to be aggravated in the second quarter after Simpson took a massive hit that resulted in a fumble, which Indiana recovered and converted into a touchdown. 

TY Simpson fumble after getting the first down pic.twitter.com/UOyvEbKI28

— wok (@dontsipwok) January 1, 2026

The Alabama signal caller tried playing through the injury, but was in noticeable pain, leading to DeBoer's decision to pull him for Mack.

Who is Ty Simpson's backup?

Simpson's primary backup is Austin Mack, who is now in the game.

Mack, a redshirt sophomore, replaced Simpson in the third quarter of the Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal against Indiana. The true freshman Keelon Russell is also listed on the depth chart as a backup option.

Alabama QB depth chart