Ty Simpson will be the biggest wildcard at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza projected as the top quarterback off the board come April, the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback is valued as the second-best QB in the draft after Dante Moore decided to return to Oregon. The question is how high will Simpson be selected.
There will be quarterback hungry teams who will be scouting Simpson closely to see if he can translate his skillset to the NFL level. Most importantly, how high Simpson is selected will be dependent on whether teams feel he is NFL ready or more of a development project at the next level since he has minimal starting quarterback experience, with 2025 being his first real extensive action at the college football level.
In fact, Simpson didn’t throw his first touchdown until 2025 with the Crimson Tide. Despite the lack of experience, Simpson impressed throughout the season with his leadership, clutch ability, athleticism, mobility and intermediate range passing accuracy. Although most NFL Draft analysts feel he could use another year of college experience, Simpson is betting on himself by declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. If he lands in the right situation, that gamble could turn into the jackpot for an NFL needy team.
Ty Simpson’s path to Alabama
The Tennessee native wowed as a high school standout at Westview High School where he was named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. He passed for 2,827 yards and 40 touchdowns with 92 rushing attempts for 862 yards and 11 touchdowns in leading his school to the 2A Tennessee State Championship.
As a five-star recruit, Simpson committed to Alabama where he made his debut in 2022. He played in a total of 16 games between 2022 and 2024 before being named a starter in 2025. In his first and only year as a starter, Simpson put his name on the map as a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect in leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record and into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. After a disappointing 2026 Rose Bowl exit, Simpson decided to declare for the draft making him a top option behind Fernando Mendoza.
Ty Simpson NFL Draft profile
- Position: Quarterback
- College: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Height/Weight: 6-2, 208 lbs
- Hometown: Martin, TN
- 40-yard Dash: 4.91 seconds (unofficial)
- 2025 Stats (Regular Season): 3,567 passing yards, 28 TD, 5 INT, 64.5 Comp. %
- Career Stats: 3,948 passing yards, 28 TD, 5 INT, 63.9 Comp %
Strengths:
- Showcases great leadership as a starting quarterback despite limited experience
- Has a veteran presence as the line of scrimmage, can recognize coverage and audible at the line.
- Has quick post-snap progression through reads
- Great accuracy in short to intermediate throws
- Has great rhythm throwing in the pocket along with quick release
- Footwork mechanics are near flawless with great mobility within the pocket
- Has dual-threat quarterback ability given his speed and athleticism as a quarterback
- Plays the game tough and fearless when taking off with the ball
Weaknesses:
- With just one year of experience as a starting quarterback, there is still a raw element to Simpson that will project him more as a project in his first year in the NFL.
- Has adequate arm strength with inconsistent velocity
- Needs to improve on the deep ball, completed only 37 percent of deep balls 25+ yards
- Can struggle when sped up in the pocket, noted for taking too many sacks
- Ball security needs improvement, when sacked or pressured, has struggled with fumbles
- At just 6-foot-2, 2010 pounds, Simpson has a slender frame he will need to beef up at the NFL level.
NFL Outlook
Ty Simpson surprised a bit when he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following a dismal performance in the 2026 Rose Ball in which he suffered a fractured/cracked rib. Prior to struggling down the stretch, Simpson was noted as a top 10 draft prospect due to his leadership, quick processing on the field and clutch ability. He is also noted for his dual threat ability which will appeal to teams in need of a quarterback. Although he will need time to develop and bulk up his slender flame, the natural talent can’t be debated. In what is considered a weak QB draft class, Simpson established himself as the second QB on the board after a strong NFL Combine performance. He projects as the second quarterback talent off the board come April.
NFL pro comparison:
Simpson has drawn the comparison to San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy, which is not a bad comparison at all considering Purdy’s success at the NFL level. Another late-round quarterback with a long NFL career who Simpson will remind NFL fans of is Tony Romo as far as his athleticism and ability to improvise in the pocket. Combine that with the rhythm-based passing and post-snap processing, and Simpson projects as a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. Where he is drafted and the system, he is drafted into will be crucial to how quickly he showcases his ability as a pro.
Prospect Grade:
- First Round