A significant development occurred on Wednesday concerning the 2026 NFL draft, as Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, announced his intention to enter the forthcoming draft, scheduled to commence on April 23rd in Pittsburgh. Simpson experienced a standout junior year playing for the Crimson Tide, amassing 3,567 aerial yards, 28 scoring throws, and five picks, contributing to Alabama’s progression to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
With his entry into the draft, what is Simpson’s projected standing among the quarterback prospects for 2026? Does he rank immediately following Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Dante Moore from Oregon (presuming their declarations)? What position might this place Simpson within his draft class? Furthermore, what ramifications will Simpson’s choice have for Alabama; who is likely to succeed him as the Crimson Tide’s primary quarterback?
Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, NFL draft specialists from ESPN, addressed inquiries regarding Simpson’s suitability for the NFL, concurrently, veteran college football journalist Adam Rittenberg explored the future plans for the Crimson Tide and their head coach, Kalen DeBoer.
Navigate to:
Advantages, disadvantages | Draft valuation
Alabama’s subsequent moves
What constitutes Simpson’s primary strong points and deficiencies?
Reid: Even with merely 15 collegiate appearances as a starter, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Simpson demonstrates the poise of an experienced player when commanding the line of scrimmage. His aptitude for rapidly deciphering defensive schemes, formations, and pressure allowed Alabama to grant him considerable pre-snap autonomy to call adjustments and modify blocking assignments. Furthermore, he exhibited a sophisticated comprehension of critical quick-pass options.
Simpson possesses slightly superior arm talent, enabling him to engage and perform effectively within the short and mid-range zones of the playing surface. He thrives particularly when employing play-action fakes, attributed to his ease in turning his back to the line of scrimmage before swiftly reorienting his gaze to assess the defensive alignment.
Simpson presents an intriguing case for assessment. Conversely, he boasts fewer starting appearances compared to the majority of quarterbacks entering the draft. Conversely, he is 23 years of age and completed four years within the Alabama program. Pundits with whom I’ve conversed assign him a Day 2 projection, following a turbulent season where he faltered in the Tide’s initial defeat, showcased strong performances in September and October, yet subsequently displayed considerable inconsistency towards the season’s conclusion. Improvements are required in his long-range accuracy, which proved inconsistent across the entire season. Simpson possesses a lean physique and attributes that are highly dependent on the caliber of his teammates.
Assessments vary, with scouts uncertain if he represents a foundational quarterback capable of guiding a team to triumphs or if he necessitates significant assistance from his teammates to achieve success.
At what point might he be selected in the draft, and what implications does Simpson’s declaration have for the entire quarterback cohort?
Miller: Given his limited experience as a starter, the events preceding the draft will be exceptionally crucial for Simpson. Disregarding the influence of upcoming interviews and pre-draft evaluations, Simpson appears to be a talent worthy of a late first-round selection based on game film, and he is presently rated as my third-best quarterback, trailing only Mendoza and Moore. He might readily ascend from a late first-round projection after demonstrating his capabilities to teams, though his scarcity of starts (many NFL scouts consider 25 to be a benchmark for collegiate success) could lead to him sliding into the second day of the draft.
Clubs requiring a quarterback in the middle-to-late first round possess the potential to boost Simpson’s draft standing, a recurring phenomenon witnessed almost every draft season. Organizations to monitor in that segment of the draft include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Cleveland Browns, the latter possessing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round selection thanks to a trade executed last April. The Rams present a notably compelling destination, since Matthew Stafford’s veteran presence would afford Simpson the opportunity to apprentice for a minimum of one year prior to assuming a starting role.
Simpson’s participation in this draft potentially introduces a third signal-caller into the discussion for the first round, yet he must impress teams during tactical whiteboard sessions and team discussions to solidify that position.
What are the immediate next steps for Alabama? What strategy does the Crimson Tide employ for its quarterback position?
Rittenberg: Alabama has been making contingencies for Simpson’s potential exit. While acquiring a transfer quarterback remains a possibility, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer and Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb for the Crimson Tide are expected to seek Simpson’s successor from within the current roster.
Austin Mack, who accompanied DeBoer and his coaching staff from Washington to Alabama in early 2024, has served as a backup for the last two seasons, accumulating 35 career aerial attempts for 228 yards and two scores during his tenure with the Tide. He stepped in for an injured Simpson during Alabama’s defeat to Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Mack is slated to be a redshirt junior in the forthcoming season.
Nonetheless, freshman Keelon Russell is anticipated to commence the offseason as the probable front-runner for the starting role in 2026. Russell held the distinction of being the second-ranked overall prospect in the 2025 cohort and had initially committed to SMU until Alabama persuaded him to change his commitment in the summer preceding National Signing Day. Hailing from Duncanville, Texas, Russell, a versatile dual-threat player, successfully connected on 11 out of 15 throws for 143 passing yards and two touchdowns across just two appearances this season. Quarterback prospects of Russell’s esteemed talent generally do not remain on the bench for extended periods, suggesting he will probably receive the initial chance to become Simpson’s successor.
