Ty Simpson’s Decision on 2026 NFL Draft
Ty Simpson, the quarterback from Alabama, faced a significant choice regarding his participation in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He weighed some appealing offers from competing schools, hoping to persuade him to remain for another senior year. One particular offer from Miami—a staggering $6.5 million—made him seriously reconsider going pro, especially after Miami’s recent loss to Indiana in the national championship game.
“That last offer really was something I needed to mull over; it was life-changing,” Simpson reflected. “That would put me at the top of college players’ pay, and it was hard to overlook. I’m not the type to act impulsively. I prefer to reflect carefully. Ultimately, it came down to how I want to be remembered and the future I envision for myself.”
At 23, with first-round pick prospects looming, he sought advice from his former coach, Nick Saban, who had stepped down in his second year at Alabama.
“He asked me whether I wanted to continue playing college football or take it to the professional level,” Simpson recounted. “He made it clear that it was about what I wanted to pursue next year—whether it was about making money or advancing rounds in the draft. Without a doubt, I said I aimed to be a professional football player. And he just nodded in agreement. It’s always been my dream, and I felt prepared to take that leap and lead as the face of a franchise.”
In recent months, opinions about Simpson’s potential have varied widely. He’s generally viewed as the second-best quarterback in this draft class, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is anticipated to be the first overall pick by the Raiders.
Nonetheless, analysts suggest this year’s quarterback talent pool may not hold a candle to next year’s, with Simpson likely landing somewhere between the mid-first to second round.
Simpson’s college experience included just one season of playing time, where he threw for 3,567 yards, completed 28 touchdowns, and had only five interceptions. He guided Alabama to a playoff win against Oklahoma but met defeat against Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
