Alabama QB Ty Simpson Declares for NFL Draft After Rollercoaster Season
Ty Simpson is officially heading to the NFL. The Alabama quarterback announced he's entering the 2026 NFL Draft, closing the book on a Crimson Tide career that had its share of highs, lows, and everything in between.
Simpson’s decision came on the heels of a tough ending to Alabama’s season-a 38-3 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. It was a humbling finish for a team with championship aspirations and a quarterback who had just started to find his rhythm under center.
There was real uncertainty about what Simpson would do next. Despite a productive 2025 campaign, he wasn’t considered a lock for the first round of the draft, especially after the playoff loss. And with Oregon’s Dante Moore opting to return to school, the door was open for Simpson to rise up boards-but only if teams saw enough upside.
Rather than transfer for another year of eligibility, Simpson chose to stay loyal to the program that brought him in.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the last jersey I wanted to wear in college was the Alabama Crimson Tide jersey,” Simpson said. “I came there.
I stayed there. The last thing I wanted to do was tarnish my legacy and go somewhere else where I didn’t go out of high school and I didn’t want to play.”
That loyalty means something, especially in today’s college football landscape where the transfer portal is more active than ever. Simpson’s commitment to Alabama, even in the face of uncertainty about his draft stock, speaks volumes about his character-and NFL teams are listening.
Simpson added, “I love coach Kalen DeBoer, I love the University of Alabama. I love the fans.
I love everything about it. Hopefully in the draft whenever my name gets written on a card, they write the University of Alabama on there.
It’s going to give me great pride.”
As for where he might land, ESPN’s Matt Miller has Simpson projected to the New York Jets in the second round. It’s a logical fit-New York is still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, and with four picks in the first two rounds, they have the flexibility to take a calculated swing on a high-upside passer.
“Simpson doesn't have a Round 1 grade on my board, and I couldn't find a single team that would give him one during conversations at the Senior Bowl,” Miller noted. “But with four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets can afford to roll the dice on him as a second-rounder with starter upside. Simpson's lack of size and arm strength could ultimately push him down the board, but his poise and processing skills are NFL-level.”
That last part is key. Simpson may not have the cannon arm or prototypical frame that gets scouts buzzing, but what he does bring-calm under pressure, quick decision-making, and the ability to read defenses-are traits that translate at the next level.
Statistically, Simpson had a strong 2025. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He led Alabama to the SEC Championship Game and helped the Tide notch a 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. That kind of production, combined with his leadership and maturity, makes him an intriguing developmental prospect.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it-Simpson is a bit of a project. His limited experience as a full-time starter means he’ll likely need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. But for a team with patience and the right infrastructure, Simpson could be a worthwhile investment.
He may not hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft, but don’t be surprised if Ty Simpson ends up being one of the more intriguing quarterback stories to come out of this class. His ceiling might not be as high as some of the big-arm prospects, but his floor-thanks to his football IQ and steady demeanor-could be higher than people think.
One thing’s for sure: he’s leaving Alabama with his head held high, and he’s ready for what comes next.