TUSCALOOSA — Ty Simpson isn’t waiting around. The Alabama signal-caller officially ended the speculation this morning, announcing his intention to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. The move comes after a season where Simpson silenced critics, leading the Crimson Tide to the playoff quarterfinals and cementing himself as a legitimate Day 1 prospect.
The Scouting Report: Why the NFL is Calling
Simpson’s rise wasn’t an accident. He finished the season with 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions, completing nearly 65% of his passes for over 3,500 yards. While he faced questions about his deep ball early in the year, scouts noted a significant improvement down the stretch, raising his completion percentage on throws over 30 yards to 33% despite battling a late-season injury.
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Draft experts are already enamored with his processing speed. CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson currently has Simpson going fifth overall to the Arizona Cardinals in his latest mock draft. “His ability to process as a first-year starter was unmatched,” Wilson noted, comparing him to a more athletic version of former Tide QB Mac Jones.
“He’s a souped-up version of Mac Jones… he can make every throw to the first and second level.” — Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Draft Analyst
Quarterback Carousel: The Transfer Portal Explodes
As Simpson exits for the pros, the college ranks are in total flux. Several high-profile quarterbacks are currently weighing their futures, creating a domino effect that will redefine the 2026 season:
- Dante Moore (Oregon): The star QB faces a massive decision—stay at Oregon for another year of NIL stability or risk a jump to a struggling NFL franchise like the Jets or Raiders.
- Demond Williams (Washington): Rumors are swirling that LSU is the “destination” for the dual-threat playmaker after he entered the portal with a “do not tag” designation.
- DJ Lagway (Florida): After a turbulent year in the Swamp, Lagway is looking for a fresh start. Washington, under Jedd Fisch, is a name to watch as they look to replace Williams.
- Sam Leavitt (ASU): Following a strong run at Arizona State, Leavitt is being linked to Miami as a potential replacement for Carson Beck.
What This Means for the NFL Draft
Simpson’s entry clarifies the top of the board but adds pressure on teams like the Raiders and Giants who are desperate for a franchise cornerstone. If Simpson lands in the top five as expected, he’ll be the latest in a long line of Alabama passers to transition to the professional ranks with high expectations. For college programs, the loss of Simpson and the movement of portal stars like Lagway means the 2026 season’s power balance is currently up for grabs.
