Ty Simpson was rumored to be weighing three options for next season: a return to Alabama, declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, or entering the Transfer Portal.
The first two were always the most realistic, and many expected Simpson, thought by many to be a first-round pick, would ultimately choose to enter the draft. Simpson made that decision on Wednesday. After one season as the Crimson Tide's starting QB, he is reportedly off to the NFL:
NEW: Alabama QB Ty Simpson is declaring for the NFL draft, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/nO5C0H3vXf pic.twitter.com/tkbZzgpKIH
— On3 (@On3sports) January 7, 2026
Ty Simpson is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft
The portal rumors never made much sense, and seemed to be wischasting emanating from Knoxville. Simpson, an Alabama captain, has now cemented his place in Alabama history.
No, the season didn't have the storybook ending he dreamed of with confetti raining down as he and his teammates celebrated in Miami. Sports rarely work out like fairytales. Simpson's career ended with a cracked rib in the Rose Bowl, which led to him being benched in the third quarter and watching helplessly as Indiana's destruction of Alabama continued.
But it was still an impressive season for the NFL-bound QB. He showed poise, moxie, and a whole lot of skill. Simpson threw for over 3500 yards with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He led Alabama to eight consecutive wins after a disheartening season-opening loss to Florida State. Led by him, Alabama scored wins over Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn in the regular season.
He led Alabama to the College Football Playoff and 11 overall wins. The Crimson Tide rallied from a 17-0 deficit against Oklahoma in the opening round of the playoff, thanks in part to high-level play from Simpson. Alabama ended the game on a 34-7 run on the scoreboard to knock off the Sooners and advance to the Rose Bowl.
Simpson will be a polarizing prospect in the draft, but he is obviously comfortable with the feedback he gathered from the league. The only drawback for him is his lack of experience as a starter. All 15 of his collegiate starters came this year.
But he has the talent, and his cerebralness at the line of scrimmage will be something that is coveted. In a weak QB class, Simpson should comfortably be in the first round range.
For Alabama, the page now turns to a new era in Tuscaloosa. Heading into year three, Kalen DeBoer will now have his hand-picked QB for the first time since replacing Nick Saban. It's Austin Mack or Keelon Russell season, and that battle in the spring and fall will offer plenty of intrigue.