Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is entering the 2026 NFL Draft and forgoing his final season of eligibility, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news on Wednesday morning, shortly after Simpson told the Alabama coaching staff of his decision. Simpson spent 4 seasons at Alabama, 3 of them as a backup.
Simpson is ranked as the No. 3 quarterback on the latest NFL Draft big board from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
The former 5-star recruit took over for Jalen Milroe this offseason and started every game for the Crimson Tide, leading them to an SEC Championship Game appearance and a College Football Playoff win. Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 2 touchdowns.
His season ended in disappointment, both on an individual and team level. Alabama lost in the CFP quarterfinals to Indiana, 38-3. Simpson was forced to leave that game early after cracking a rib late in the first half.
Austin Mack replaced Simpson in the second half of the Rose Bowl. Mack was his primary backup throughout the season, appearing in 4 games and throwing 32 passes for 228 yards with 2 touchdowns.
Mack and rising redshirt freshman Keelon Russell will presumably battle for the starting job in 2026. Russell, a former 5-star recruit, appeared in 2 games this year.
Alabama could also look to the transfer portal for a more established option at quarterback, with coach Kalen DeBoer entering a critical third year. Mack has just 5 career appearances and 26 pass attempts in 3 collegiate seasons.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
