Ty Simpson Injured as Alabama Falls to Indiana in CFP Quarterfinal

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2025 campaign came to a shocking end Thursday with a 38–3 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The defeat was lopsided, but much of the attention postgame focused on quarterback Ty Simpson, who was forced to leave the game due to injury.

Simpson, a fourth-year junior, started the game and led Alabama into the second half before backup Austin Mack replaced him. The Crimson Tide struggled to establish offensive momentum, managing just 193 total yards and failing to score a touchdown in nine possessions.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke candidly about Simpson’s injury and effort after the game, emphasizing the quarterback’s determination despite the setback. “Ty had an injury, obviously. He really wanted to try to stay out there… He went out and tried to battle. That’s who he is,” DeBoer said.

The loss not only ended Alabama’s season but also marked a historic defeat for the program. It was the largest postseason margin of loss in Crimson Tide history and the first time since 1964 that Alabama failed to score a touchdown in a bowl game.

1. Simpson’s Injury and Performance

Simpson confirmed after the game that he suffered a fractured rib prior to halftime. Despite the injury, he returned for one series in the third quarter but managed only limited action before exiting. Before leaving, Simpson completed 12 of 16 passes for 67 yards. His critical misstep came in the second quarter when Alabama was driving into Indiana territory. Simpson scrambled for a first down but took a hard hit, fumbled, and the Hoosiers converted the turnover into a touchdown. Indiana entered halftime with a 17–0 lead. Simpson had started all 15 games during the 2025 season and had never been listed on an injury report. Over the full season, he completed 293 of 457 passes for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions, posting a 64 percent completion rate. With one year of eligibility remaining, Simpson now faces a decision about his future. He could pursue the NFL as a first-round prospect, though he has not yet made a decision about whether to declare.

2. Backup Efforts and Team Struggles

Redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, Simpson’s primary backup all season, stepped in to finish the game. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards and led Alabama on its only scoring drive, which resulted in a 28-yard field goal by Conor Talty. Despite Mack’s contribution, the Crimson Tide struggled offensively against Indiana’s dominant defense. Alabama failed to score a touchdown, and Indiana converted six of its nine drives into scores, highlighting a disparity that extended beyond the quarterback position. The game marked the first time all season that Alabama had to turn to a backup quarterback outside of garbage-time situations. It underscored the team’s reliance on Simpson and the challenge of adapting when a key player is sidelined. Alabama’s offensive issues, combined with Simpson’s injury, magnified the impact of Indiana’s undefeated, No. 1-ranked team. The Hoosiers’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit the Crimson Tide to three points cemented one of the most lopsided postseason results in program history.

3. Historic Loss and Looking Ahead

The 35-point defeat is unprecedented in Alabama’s postseason history. It represents the program’s largest margin of loss in a bowl game and continues a trend of Indiana’s remarkable 2025 campaign. While the loss will be a bitter memory for the Crimson Tide, it may also influence Simpson’s decision regarding his future. His performance throughout 2025 confirms his talent, but the playoff exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and intensity of postseason football. Alabama will now prepare for 2026 with questions at quarterback, as Simpson’s health, eligibility, and potential NFL aspirations loom over offseason planning. Backup options, roster adjustments, and coaching strategies will all factor into how the team responds to a historic loss. The game also signals the rise of Indiana as a dominant force, with the Hoosiers showcasing a complete team effort that overwhelmed one of college football’s most storied programs.