Ty Simpson may not enter the NFL Draft, but still might not return to Alabama

Ty Simpson may have played his last snap for Alabama. And that might be regardless of his upcoming NFL Draft decision.

Simpson was knocked out of the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day after one third-quarter possession due to a cracked rib. That might be the last moment of his Crimson Tide career.

While Simpson is currently weighing an NFL Draft decision, he might also be weighing entering the NCAA's Transfer Portal, according to 247's Tom Loy.

Ty Simpson could enter the Transfer Portal instead of the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft early entry deadline is January 14th. A decision by Simpson could have a direct impact on what happens with redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, who replaced the injured Simpson in Pasadena for the bulk of the second-half.

Mack was non-committal after the Rose Bowl on Thursday about his future. His decision could change dramatically if Simpson is on the way out of Tuscaloosa, regardless of his NFL future.

A lot of mocks still have Simpson as a first-round pick, but he'd likely have a wide-range in the draft due to some inconsistent tape and not enough starts under his belt. That could lead him to return to college, though it looks less and less likely that it will be with the Crimson Tide.

Loy's report may not be accurate, either. It should be taken with a grain of salt. He reported one day before Auburn WR Cam Coleman entered the portal that he was hearing there was a lot of optimism around the Tigers that Coleman would remain at Auburn.

Loy is reputable, but agents put out a lot of information this time of year as leverage plays. Simpson could be angling for a potential raise to stay in college, and a report of potential interest in Oregon or hated rival Tennessee could be what he feels he needs to trigger more of a commitment from Kalen DeBoer and his staff.

But it could also be that DeBoer and company are ready to move on. Heading into a pivotal year three, Alabama's early Transfer Portal movement makes it look more and more like DeBoer is ready to jump into the deep end in Tuscaloosa with his own roster and his own quarterback.

If Simpson is on his way out at Alabama regardless of his NFL Draft decision, Mack would seemingly stay to compete with freshman phenom Keelon Russell in the spring for the starting job. Mack showed plenty of poise in the second-half of the Rose Bowl, and Russell was the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class and showed promise in the two games he played in during his redshirt season.

Simpson, a Tennessee native, considered the Volunteers out of high school before choosing to join Alabama. Clemson actually ended up as the runner-up for the former 5-star, and while they aren't mentioned as a potential option, he had a strong relationship with Dabo Swinney back then, and the Tigers are in the market for a difference-maker at QB to replace the inconsistent Cade Klubnik.

Rumors are all over the place right now, but the shortened portal window and the NFL Draft entry deadline mean we won't have long to wait before everything hashes out.

UPDATE:

Via Pete Nakos, Simpson's agent has said that they are still weighing options: