Hold onto your helmets, football fans, because the quarterback landscape is about to shift! Alabama's Ty Simpson has officially declared his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, and this move is already sparking conversations across the sports world. But here's where it gets intriguing: Simpson, a 23-year-old redshirt junior, steps into the spotlight with a unique blend of potential and questions. As a one-year starter for the Crimson Tide, he follows in the footsteps of Alabama's legendary QB lineage, leading the team to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Yet, his journey hasn't been without hurdles—like the quarterfinal blowout against Indiana, where a rib injury sidelined him in the third quarter. Is Simpson the next big thing, or is he entering the draft too soon?
In 2025, Simpson showcased his arm talent, completing 305 of 473 passes (64.5%) for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions across 15 games. He also added two rushing touchdowns to his resume. But let’s not forget his patient climb up the depth chart—originally committing to Nick Saban, Simpson backed up Bryce Young in 2022 and later served as the second string to Jalen Milroe (Seahawks' 2025 third-round pick) in 2023 and 2024. During those three seasons, he appeared in 16 games, completing 29 of 50 passes for 381 yards and three rushing scores. Does his limited starting experience make him a risk, or is his time in Alabama’s QB room enough to prepare him for the pros?
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, Simpson’s physical profile is solid, though he’s not considered an elite athlete. His arm talent, footwork, and operational skills suggest starter potential, but there’s room for growth. Late in the 2025 season, he faced challenges, particularly with downfield touch and ball placement—areas he’ll need to refine to thrive in the NFL. And this is the part most people miss: Simpson comes from strong football bloodlines as the son of Jason Simpson, a former Mississippi State QB and longtime head coach at UT Martin. Could his family legacy give him an edge, or will he need to prove himself solely on his own merits?
As Simpson steps into the draft, the debate rages on. With only 15 college starts, his body of work is smaller than some of his peers, but his time in Alabama’s talent-rich QB room has undoubtedly shaped his skills. Is he a diamond in the rough, or is he jumping into the NFL too early? Let’s discuss—what do you think? Is Ty Simpson ready for the big leagues, or should he have stayed another year to polish his game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
