$2.3 Million QB Accuses Nick Saban of Lying During Recruitment Process

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.3 Million QB Accuses Nick Saban of Lying During Recruitment Process

Nick Saban’s legacy at the University of Alabama is one of the most prominent in college football history. He took over a struggling program in 2007 and turned it into a modern powerhouse, winning six national championships with the Alabama Crimson Tide and guiding the school to consistent top-10 finishes and frequent College Football Playoff appearances.

Saban’s teams produced numerous NFL Draft picks and household names, including Heisman Trophy winners and elite professional defenders and offensive stars. His focus on recruiting and development helped establish Alabama as a perennial title contender and a destination for elite high school talent.

Among the prospects Saban recruited was Ty Simpson, a top quarterback from Tennessee who chose Alabama in part because of Saban’s pitch about opportunity and personal growth. Simpson, a junior, followed that path from backup into the Tide’s starting role as the program transitioned to new leadership after Saban’s retirement.

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban © Robert Sutton / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Simpson’s rise to the starting quarterback position has been notable. Named Alabama’s starter in 2025, Simpson has completed 65.1% of his passes for SEC-leading 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns on just five interceptions this season. His performance helped lead the Crimson Tide through a 10-3 regular season, earning a College Football Playoff berth.

In a recent episode of FanDuel’s “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Simpson opened up about his recruiting experience with Saban before the coach retired. Simpson said that during conversations with Saban, the coach stressed the value of “creating value for yourself” both on and off the field and presented Alabama as the place to do that.

Simpson recounted that he chose to return to Alabama after thinking, praying and agreeing with Saban’s message – “and the next thing you know, he retires.” Simpson said: “I’m sitting there… I’m like, well, you know, he just lied to me…” but added that as a coach’s son, he understood the situation and that they still laugh about it today.

Saban ultimately retired without coaching Simpson as his starter, ending an era just as Simpson’s career was taking off. Simpson has continued his development under Alabama’s head coach Kalen DeBoer and provided stable leadership for the offense.

Alabama extended its playoff run by rallying from a 17-point deficit to beat the Oklahoma Sooners 34–24 in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, with Simpson passing for 232 yards and two touchdowns in that game. The Crimson Tide now prepares to face No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

Related: Michigan Coach Issues Update Amid Search to Replace Sherrone Moore

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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