As the NFL combine approaches, all eyes are on Alabama's Ty Simpson, who is set to showcase his skills next week. With Oregon's Dante Moore and Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss opting to stay in college, Simpson has emerged as the second-best quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft class. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, the anticipated top pick, won't be throwing at the combine, giving Simpson a prime opportunity to shine.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared his insights on The Rich Eisen Show, predicting that Simpson will likely be a first-round pick. "Teams are gonna see things on tape that look a lot like what they do in NFL schemes," Pelissero noted, highlighting Simpson's NFL-ready style of play.
Simpson's 2025 season stats are impressive: 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Despite lucrative offers from college teams to transfer and stay another year, Simpson chose to enter the draft, demonstrating his commitment to the next level.
However, Simpson's journey hasn't been without challenges. Last season, he played through significant injuries, including a bulging disc in his back, elbow bursitis, and a cracked rib sustained during the Rose Bowl. Yet, with these issues now behind him, Simpson is poised to present the healthiest version of himself at the combine.
Teams in need of a quarterback, especially those drafting after the Las Vegas Raiders, will be watching closely. Analysts agree that Simpson is the No. 2 quarterback in this draft, and a standout performance at the combine could firmly cement his status as a first-round selection.