Alabama QB Ty Simpson is believed to be weighing three options for next season: the NFL Draft, a return to Alabama, or the Transfer Portal.
Insiders believe Simpson's decision is likely between entering the draft or returning to Alabama, with the portal the least likely of the three scenarios. Simpson is gathering feedback from the NFL this week, and a decision is expected soon, perhaps as early as the middle of the week.
According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, the most likely option is Simpson foregoing his final season of eligibility and entering the 2026 NFL Draft:
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson hasn’t made a decision yet on what he’ll do in 2026, according to Peter Webb, his sports marketing agent. The NFL looms as the most likely option, but nothing has been decided. pic.twitter.com/xopR3PQUfh
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 5, 2026
Pete Thamel says the NFL is Ty Simpson's most likely option
If Simpson gets first-round feedback, he's likely to declare for the NFL Draft. As he should. There would be tremendous risk in ignoring that feedback and returning to school for another season. Just ask LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier passed up a first-round draft grade a year ago to return to Baton Rouge. He endured a difficult, injury-plagued season and is now likely a day two pick. The same could happen to Simpson if he chose a return to college.
Despite some late-season struggles, Simpson put a lot of stuff on tape that NFL scouts covet. He made a ton of big-time throws, has the intangibles you look for, and is comfortable making checks and sliding protections at the line of scrimmage. The NFL drafts on potential, and Simpson looked like a future NFL starter on tape several times this year.
In a weak QB class, Simpson will likely be coveted even more.
Alabama would welcome Simpson back if he chose to return to Tuscaloosa, but they need a decision from him quickly. Simpson's choice could directly impact both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. If Simpson comes back, Mack seems like a shoo-in to enter the Transfer Portal with only two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Russell was asked about the Transfer Portal at the Rose Bowl, but quickly shut that down by stating he would be back in Tuscaloosa next season. That could change, however, much like it did for Jaylen Mbakwe.
If Simpson leaves, I suspect Alabama will bring back both Mack and Russell, and they will compete for the job in spring and throughout fall camp. If Simpson returns, Mack will almost certainly enter the portal with Russell staying to serve as Simpson's backup in 2026 before taking the reins in 2027.