2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson’s journey at Alabama has been one defined by patience, development, and gradual emergence into one of the most polished quarterbacks in college football. A former five-star recruit from Tennessee with dual-threat capability, Simpson arrived in Tuscaloosa possessing high-level arm talent, mobility, and competitive toughness. Alabama saw him as a natural fit to lead a modern offense—an athletic playmaker capable of throwing on rhythm, winning off-script, and attacking defenses at all levels of the field.

After sitting early and learning behind veteran quarterbacks, Simpson continued sharpening his mechanics, processing, and command of the offense. By the time he earned the starting job, he showcased the traits Alabama coaches long believed would translate: decisiveness, accuracy on the move, and a smooth, compact throwing motion that allows him to drive the ball with efficiency. As the Crimson Tide’s offense evolved, Simpson proved capable of operating both pro-style concepts and spread variations, giving Alabama flexibility and forcing opponents to defend the total width of the field.

Simpson’s continued improvement, paired with the leadership he displayed throughout his tenure, has pushed him firmly into the conversation as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Strengths

Arm Talent and Touch

Simpson generates effortless velocity, particularly on intermediate throws, and shows excellent touch on layered passes. He can fit the ball into tight windows without sacrificing placement.

Mobility and Escapability

A true dual-threat, Simpson extends plays with his legs and keeps his eyes downfield while on the move. His mobility creates off-script opportunities and stresses defenses horizontally and vertically.

Poise Under Pressure

One of Simpson’s defining traits is his calm demeanor. He handles collapsing pockets well, slides to open throwing windows, and avoids unnecessary turnovers.

Mechanics and Release

He throws with a clean, efficient motion that allows for quick processing and rapid execution. His footwork has improved significantly, creating consistent platform stability.

Leadership and Football IQ

Simpson is widely praised for his command of the huddle and preparation habits. He understands protections, adjusts pre-snap, and demonstrates strong situational awareness.

Weaknesses

Consistency in Full-Field Progressions

While improved, Simpson can still be late working through deeper progression concepts. Speeding up his processing against complex NFL disguises will be a key developmental step.

Deep-Ball Variability

Though capable of hitting explosive plays, Simpson’s deep accuracy can fluctuate. Better trajectory control and landmark precision will help unlock his full vertical potential.

Over-Reliance on Athleticism

At times, he drifts from clean pockets in search of off-script opportunities. NFL coaches will want him to trust his reads and rhythm more frequently.

Durability

Simpson’s mobility is a strength, but he occasionally takes unnecessary hits. Learning to slide, throw away the ball, or protect himself more consistently will be important at the next level.

Conclusion

Ty Simpson enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the class. He’s a poised, athletic, and mechanically refined passer with genuine dual-threat value. His steady progression at Alabama, combined with his leadership and mental makeup, positions him as a potential franchise quarterback candidate.

Draft Nation projects Simpson as a Round 1 prospect, with the potential to rise into the top spot for quarterbacks. A strong NFL comparison is former UNC quarterback Sam Howell with more mobility and upside as a future starter. Both are balanced, tough, rhythm-based passers who bring added playmaking juice outside the pocket.