Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson Makes NFL Draft Decision

For the second straight season, the Crimson Tide will have an open quarterback battle, as Alabama starting quarterback Ty Simpson will declare for the 2026 NFL draft, forgoing his final season of eligibility, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

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The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Martin, Tennessee native, originally chose Alabama over the Tennessee Volunteers, the Clemson Tigers, and the Ole Miss Rebels. Simpson sat behind both Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe during his Alabama career before finally getting his shot to shine during 2025.

Simpson led Alabama to an 11-4 overall record this season, including a 10-2 regular-season record. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions, while adding 93 yards and two touchdowns rushing for the Crimson Tide this year. Simpson played through a multitude of injuries, including a back problem that hindered him through most of the second half of the season.

He led Alabama to an SEC championship appearance, and the Tide's 10-2 regular season record was enough for Alabama to make the 12-team College Football Playoff for the first time. Simpson led the Tide to a comeback victory in the first round against the Oklahoma Sooners. Trailing 17-0 at one point, Alabama fought back to secure a 34-24 victory over the Sooners. The Tide's season ended in the Rose Bowl against top-seeded Indiana, a game where Simpson didn't finish due to a cracked rib he suffered in the first half against the Hoosiers.

Simpson was a permanent captain for Alabama during the 2025 season after waiting for three seasons to get his shot as the Tide's signal caller. He was named Second Team All-SEC by the Associated Press and coaches around the conference, led the SEC in passing touchdowns, and was named a semifinalist for the Macwell Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and was a finalist for the Manning Award.

Behind Simpson, Alabama returns its two reserve quarterbacks from 2025 in redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell. The Crimson Tide is also bringing in four-star Jett Thomalla and three-star Tayden Kaawa from the high school recruiting ranks.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.