Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has officially signed the paperwork to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, solidifying his departure from the Crimson Tide after a breakout yet rollercoaster 2025 season. The redshirt junior, who turned 23 during his time in Tuscaloosa, made the announcement official on January 13, 2026, following his initial declaration on January 7. Despite receiving massive NIL offers—reportedly up to $6.5 million from Miami and $4 million each from programs like Tennessee and Ole Miss—to return to college via the transfer portal, Simpson has chosen to pursue his professional dreams, turning down life-changing money to test his skills in the NFL.
Simpson’s journey to this point was anything but conventional. A five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee, in the 2022 class, he committed to Nick Saban and spent his first three seasons as a backup, learning behind stars like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. He appeared in just 16 games across those years, completing 29 of 50 passes for 381 yards and adding three rushing touchdowns. The wait paid off in 2025 when he earned the starting role under head coach Kalen DeBoer, leading Alabama to an 11-4 record, an SEC Championship Game appearance, and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal berth with a win over Oklahoma.
In his lone year as the full-time starter, Simpson put up impressive numbers: 3,567 passing yards, 305 completions on 473 attempts (64.5% completion rate), 28 touchdown passes, and just five interceptions. He added mobility to the offense with solid rushing contributions. Early in the season, he was a Heisman contender and even the betting favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in some circles, showcasing elite processing, arm talent, and playmaking ability that drew comparisons to NFL starters.
However, Simpson’s campaign had a noticeable dip in the second half. From Weeks 12 onward—including the SEC title loss to Georgia and the 38-3 Rose Bowl defeat to Indiana—he averaged fewer yards per game, threw more interceptions, and battled injuries, including a cracked rib that forced him out mid-game against the Hoosiers. Analysts note his limited starting experience (only 15 full starts) as a risk, placing him behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore on most big boards, but still projecting him as a potential first-round talent in a relatively thin quarterback class.
The decision to forgo another college season—despite Alabama’s desire for his return and the lucrative offers—highlights Simpson’s confidence in his tape and the feedback from NFL general managers. His father, UT-Martin head coach Jason Simpson, confirmed that every GM consulted gave Ty first-round grades. Simpson now heads toward the Senior Bowl in Mobile and the pre-draft process, where he can refine his stock and address consistency concerns.
As Alabama turns the page, the quarterback battle for 2026 intensifies between redshirt junior Austin Mack and highly touted freshman Keelon Russell. Simpson’s exit marks the end of an era for a player who embodied patience and perseverance at one of college football’s premier programs. Best of luck to Ty as he chases his NFL aspirations—Roll Tide forever! 🐘
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