Ty Simpson has emerged as one of college football’s most talked-about quarterbacks this season. The Alabama Crimson Tide junior stands 6’2″, 208 pounds and has thrown for 2,787 yards with 22 touchdowns and just two interceptions, completing 66.9% of his passes. Simpson’s poise and timing. Despite only starting 10 college games, he has pushed into the top prospect conversation and made him a legitimate candidate to jump into the top 10 of the 2026 draft if he declares.
Simpson’s recent stretch hasn’t been flawless. He struggled against Oklahoma, but most scouts still view him as a high-ceiling prospect.
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Geno Smith’s struggles in Las Vegas have only increased the Raiders’ interest in finding a long-term answer. Smith has thrown for 2,082 yards with 12 touchdowns and a league-high 13 interceptions this season. After signing a two-year, $75 million extension that includes $66.5 million guaranteed, Smith’s contract complicates an immediate move, but his turnover issues and declining mobility have stalled the offense.
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The Raiders sit 2-8, averaging just 15.5 points per game (30th) while allowing 25.3 (24th), and the team’s quarterback carousel has continued to frustrate fans and analysts alike.
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Miller’s prediction and Raiders context
ESPN’s Matt Miller projects a quarterback reboot for Las Vegas in his latest 2026 mock draft, specifically predicting Alabama’s Ty Simpson to the Raiders at No. 5.
Miller wrote, “Geno Smith has not worked out in Las Vegas, and a quarterback reboot is coming. Perhaps the Raiders could be a destination for a veteran like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones should either be available, but Las Vegas is also a prime candidate to draft a quarterback should one be on the board.”
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On Simpson, Miller added: “Simpson has started only 10 games in college, but he’s playing with impeccable poise and timing… The 6-2 208-pounder has thrown 22 touchdowns to just two picks this season… his instincts and processing are starter level.”
Miller’s view ties Las Vegas’ weak offensive output and Smith’s turnovers to an inevitable search for a long-term fix, whether by trade, veteran signing, or drafting a prospect like Simpson. Given the team’s record, roster instability and Smith’s contract, Miller argues the draft route is a realistic path to reset the quarterback position.
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