Ty Simpson’s Defining Moment: Can Alabama’s QB Cement His First-Round Status in the CFP?
When the 2025 season kicked off, the biggest question swirling around Tuscaloosa wasn’t about Alabama’s defense or its coaching staff-it was under center. Could Ty Simpson be that guy? The one who could lead the Crimson Tide back to the mountaintop and keep Alabama in the thick of the national title conversation?
Well, the answer has been complicated.
At his best, Simpson has flashed the kind of arm talent and poise that makes NFL scouts sit up in their chairs. He’s had moments this season where he looked every bit like a future franchise quarterback.
But there have also been games where the wheels came off-missed throws, costly turnovers, and stretches where the offense sputtered. It’s been a rollercoaster, and now, with the College Football Playoff looming, Simpson stands at a career crossroads.
NFL Decision Looms Large
Simpson, a redshirt junior, is eligible for the NFL Draft. And while he’s locked in on trying to deliver Alabama another national championship, there's no ignoring the stakes. This postseason could decide whether he hears his name called in the first round-or whether he’s back in crimson and white next fall.
This year’s quarterback class isn’t stacked, especially if Oregon’s Dante Moore decides to run it back for another year. That opens the door for someone like Simpson to climb draft boards-if he can deliver on the biggest stage.
But returning for another season isn’t without risk. Just ask Garrett Nussmeier or Drew Allar-two talented QBs whose stock took a hit after staying in school.
And the 2027 draft class? It's shaping up to be a quarterback gauntlet.
Pressure Points: What the Numbers Say
There’s a clear trend when you look at Alabama’s three losses this season: Simpson has struggled under pressure. In each of those games, his completion percentage dipped below 70%.
That might not sound catastrophic, but it’s telling. When the pocket collapses, Simpson’s decision-making and accuracy take a hit.
And it’s not all on him. Alabama’s offensive line hasn’t exactly been a brick wall.
He’s been sacked 10 times across those three losses, and the pressure has visibly shaken him. When he’s rattled, the offense stalls.
When he’s in rhythm, though? He can pick apart defenses with the best of them.
A Familiar Foe Awaits in Norman
Now comes the biggest test yet: a College Football Playoff showdown against Oklahoma. And yes, it’s a rematch.
The last time these two teams met, Simpson was sacked four times. And that was without Oklahoma’s star edge rusher R.
Mason Thomas on the field. This time, Thomas is back-and Alabama’s offensive line better be ready.
With the Tide’s run game struggling to find traction, the burden will fall squarely on Simpson’s shoulders.
This is the kind of game that can define a player’s future. If Simpson steps up, silences the crowd in Norman, and leads Alabama to a win?
That’s the kind of performance that makes NFL front offices take notice. That’s how you go from a Day 2 maybe to a Day 1 lock.
But if he falters-if the pressure gets to him again and Alabama bows out early-it could be back to the drawing board. That decision to return for another season would suddenly be on the table, and it could send ripple effects through the transfer portal as teams scramble to adjust.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another playoff game-it’s a career-defining moment. For Alabama, it’s a shot at another title. For Ty Simpson, it’s a chance to prove he belongs in the first-round conversation.
The tools are there. The opportunity is now. And all eyes will be on No. 15 to see if he can rise to the occasion.