Ty Simpson NFL Draft Profile: The Rise of Alabama’s 2026 Quarterback Prospect

After years of waiting in the wings at one of college football’s most prestigious programs, Ty Simpson has emerged as a focal point for NFL scouts heading into the 2026 draft. Once a consensus top-tier recruit, Simpson’s journey at Alabama has been a lesson in patience, culminating in a breakout 2025 campaign that has shifted his trajectory from a depth piece to a potential game-changing professional asset.

The Pedigree: From Martin, Tennessee, to Tuscaloosa

Ty Simpson’s understanding of the game began long before he stepped onto a college field. Growing up in Martin, Tennessee, Simpson was immersed in football through his father, Jason Simpson, who has served as the head coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin since 2006. This environment allowed Ty to dissect defensive schemes at the kitchen table, providing him with a tactical foundation that scouts now describe as high-level football IQ.

That intellectual edge translated to dominance at Westview High School. During his senior campaign, Simpson led his team to a 2A state championship, posting 2,827 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, while adding 862 rushing yards and 11 scores. His performance earned him Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year honors and a spot in the 2022 All-American Bowl.

As a five-star recruit, Simpson was one of the most coveted players in the nation. While every SEC school offered him a scholarship, he chose Alabama in 2022, arriving as the consensus second-ranked quarterback nationally according to NFL Draft Buzz.

The Alabama Journey: Patience and Progression

Simpson’s path to the starting role in Tuscaloosa was not immediate. From 2022 to 2024, he spent three seasons developing behind established starters Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. During this period, Simpson’s game time was limited, totaling just 381 passing yards across 16 games. However, those limited appearances provided flashes of his ceiling, including a 78-yard rushing touchdown against Chattanooga and a critical 17-point comeback spark against South Florida.

The arrival of head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb marked a turning point. After seeing Simpson’s potential during spring ball, the coaching staff handed him the keys to the offense for the 2025 season. Simpson responded by starting 15 games, a stretch that provided the necessary tape for NFL evaluators to assess his readiness for the professional level.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Entering the 2026 draft cycle, Simpson is viewed as a prospect with the physical traits and mental acuity that NFL teams covet. Standing approximately 6-foot-1⅛ and weighing 211 pounds, he possesses a build comparable to NFL quarterback Skylar Thompson, according to CBS Sports.

Strengths

• Football IQ: His upbringing in a coaching household is evident in his ability to process defenses and manage the game.
• Footwork: Scouts highlight his efficient footwork, which allows him to maintain balance and timing in the pocket.
• Clutch Performance: He has demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, a trait that has caught the eye of analysts like Mel Kiper Jr.

Areas for Improvement

• Inexperience: Given that he spent the majority of his early college career on the bench, he lacks the extensive starting experience of some of his peers.
• Pass Rush Management: Improving his consistency when facing elite NFL-level pressure remains a primary developmental goal.

Draft Outlook and Projection

Despite the concerns regarding his experience, the outlook for Simpson is overwhelmingly positive. Mel Kiper Jr. has identified Simpson as a potential “game-changing steal” of the 2026 draft, citing his resilience and upside. CBS Sports currently ranks him as the No. 2 quarterback prospect for the upcoming draft.

Key Takeaways: Ty Simpson Prospect Profile

Final Analysis

Ty Simpson represents a high-ceiling prospect who has successfully transitioned from a highly touted recruit to a proven college starter. While his development may accept time due to his limited early-career reps, his combination of pedigree, physical tools, and mental preparation makes him a primary target for teams seeking a franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.