What's Happening?
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has declared for the 2026 NFL draft, marking a significant development in the upcoming draft class. Simpson, who had a standout junior season with the Crimson Tide, threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions, leading Alabama to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. His decision to enter the draft adds another high-profile quarterback to a class that already includes Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore, assuming they declare. Simpson's declaration raises questions about his draft position and the future of Alabama's quarterback lineup. ESPN's NFL draft experts have noted Simpson's strengths in diagnosing defenses and his comfort with play-action, though his limited starting
experience and need for improved deep accuracy are seen as potential drawbacks.
Why It's Important?
Simpson's entry into the draft is significant for both the NFL and Alabama. For the NFL, his presence adds depth to a quarterback class that could see teams in need of a quarterback, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Cleveland Browns, vying for his talents. His performance in pre-draft evaluations will be crucial in determining his draft position, potentially elevating him to a first-round pick. For Alabama, Simpson's departure means head coach Kalen DeBoer must identify a new starting quarterback. Freshman Keelon Russell, a highly-touted recruit, is a likely candidate to take over, which could impact Alabama's offensive strategy moving forward.
What's Next?
As the draft approaches, Simpson will need to impress during interviews and workouts to solidify his status as a top quarterback prospect. Meanwhile, Alabama will focus on developing its next quarterback, with Keelon Russell expected to compete for the starting role. The team's approach to replacing Simpson will be closely watched, as it could influence their performance in the upcoming season. Additionally, the NFL teams interested in drafting a quarterback will monitor Simpson's progress, potentially adjusting their draft strategies based on his evaluations.
