Ty Simpson Declares for NFL Draft After Alabama Career

Ty Simpson, the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft following four seasons with the team, including one as the starting quarterback. This decision comes after a disappointing performance in the College Football Playoff, where Alabama suffered a significant loss to Indiana, finishing the game 38–3. Simpson was benched during this matchup, marking the conclusion of his college football career.

Simpson’s announcement was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday, highlighting the pivotal moment for the player as he makes the transition to professional football. In a recent mock draft by Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated, Simpson is projected to be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 20 overall pick. This opportunity arises as the Steelers may be looking for a new starting quarterback, especially considering the potential retirement of veteran Aaron Rodgers.

Should Rodgers decide to continue playing for another season, he could provide valuable mentorship to Simpson, who is viewed as the third-ranked quarterback for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Ahead of him in the rankings are Fernando Mendoza from Indiana and Dante Moore from Oregon, both of whom are still competing in the College Football Playoff and have not yet declared for the draft.

During the 2025 season, Simpson showcased his skills on the field, completing 64.5% of his passes for a total of 3,567 yards, along with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His efforts contributed to an overall record of 11–4 for the Crimson Tide, solidifying his position as a promising talent in the sport.

As Simpson prepares for this significant next step, his trajectory reflects the intense pressure and expectations placed on college athletes transitioning to the professional level. With the NFL Draft approaching, all eyes will be on Simpson as he seeks to make his mark in the league.