Ty Simpson, Alabama
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Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson has become one of the more intriguing prospects to watch as the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer.
With just under two months remaining until the draft, Simpson seems to be the No. 2 quarterback in the class. Fernando Mendoza is the top signal caller and is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, which leaves questions about where Simpson could be drafted.
Most mock drafts recently have had Simpson being picked at No. 21 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it sounds like he could be moving up draft boards.
During the 2025 college football season, the young quarterback was a Heisman Trophy candidate for much of the year. His level of play fell off late in the year, but he still completed 64.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while also running for 93 yards and two more scores.
A surprising new update has been shared about Simpson’s status ahead of the draft.
Surprising Update Emerges About Alabama QB Ty Simpson
According to a report from NFL insider Tony Pauline, Simpson could be a top-12 pick in the NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns are a team to keep an eye on as a potential destination.
Simpson spoke out with a short and clear message to NFL teams who are considering him. He believes he’s ready to take the reigns of a franchise.
“I feel like I’m ready,” Simpson said. “I’m a franchise quarterback.”
Speaking of the Browns, Simpson has a previous connection to new head coach Todd Monken. He spoke out about that connection and his thoughts on Monken.
“I know he loves ball,” Simpson said of Monken. “I know he loves football, and I know that’s what I love as well. Super smart guy. I remember him coming to my school (while he was) at Georgia. Him and my dad actually have a great relationship because he coached at Southern Miss for a little bit, and his pedigree with all the NFL teams that he’s been with, and what he did with Lamar (Jackson) and at Georgia, it’s just super real. So, a lot of respect for him and the Browns organization. I think they’ve made a great hire.”
Another AFC North Team Could Also Land Ty Simpson
While the Browns are being talked about as a potential landing, the Steelers are also a serious destination for Simpson. He spoke out about potentially playing in Pittsburgh for head coach Mike McCarthy.
“I love Coach McCarthy, love the Steelers,” Simpson said. “I love those guys, and I’m super excited to get to know them.”
It will be interesting to see where Simpson ends up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Either the Browns or Steelers would make sense, but there are a few other teams who could use him as well.