Ty Simpson trending toward first round of 2026 NFL Draft, Dan Orlovsky says
By Mark Kern
Published:
Ty Simpson has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season; the first-time starter for Alabama is putting together a special season.
His play has caught the attention of college football analysts all across the country, he has jumped to the top of the Heisman Trophy discussion, and he’s even starting to get draft buzz. On Thursday, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky claimed Simpson could be playing himself into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“We’re heading that way. No doubt,” Orlovsky said on The Next Round when asked about Simpson trending up in draft conversations. “The reality with Ty is no one knows much about him. … I don’t know if people knew if he was a third-year kid, a fifth-year kid, redshirt freshman, people just didn’t know much about him. But, as far as throwing it, there is no question that he’s playing himself (into that range).
“If Ty Simpson plays the next 7 or 8 games the way he has his first 5 games, he’ll be a first-round pick, no question.”
On the season, Simpson has thrown for 1,478 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. He’s 13th nationally in Total QBR.
As good as Simpson’s play has been on the field, the poise and leadership he has shown throughout the year to help Alabama bounce back from an opening loss to Florida State have been impressive.
He has another opportunity on Saturday to make a statement when No. 8 Alabama visits No. 14 Missouri for a massive clash at noon ET (ABC).
