Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has rapidly climbed NFL draft boards during his first season as the Crimson Tide’s starter, but evaluators remain split on where he ultimately fits in a 2026 class.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior has delivered one of the nation’s most efficient seasons with the fourth-ranked Tide back into the Playoff conversation after a rocky opening loss to Florida State.
“He’s had the best year out of all of (the QB prospects), but he’s not as high up as some of these other guys in terms of physical tools,” one NFL executive told The Athletic. “More power to him. The kid has played his tail off, and he’s throwing the s— out of the ball.”
Simpson's improvements has impressed scouts as much as his production. Simpson throws a clean, catchable ball and shows advanced poise for a first-time starter, processing quickly and delivering with timing and accuracy. One evaluator said Simpson “simply plays under control,” noting his command at the line of scrimmage and his consistency in getting to the right read.
Yet, questions still linger. His lack of starting experience is a sticking point, and several executives believe another year in college would benefit him. Simpson doesn’t wow teams with arm strength or elite traits, but the tape speaks loudly. One evaluator compared him to Brock Purdy or Mac Jones. All game-managing quarterbacks who win with precision and decision-making.
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Simpson’s rise comes after two seasons spent behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. It was a period when Nick Saban pushed him to focus less on outcomes and more on daily improvement. Even after Saban’s retirement, he reportedly delivered one last blunt message as he cleared out his office.
With Simpson holding onto top-five NFL Draft buzz and firmly in Heisman contention, pro evaluators see a distributor whose ceiling will hinge on whether teams view his refinement as an asset or wonder what untapped upside remains.
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