After waiting his turn behind Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson‘s lone season as the starter at Alabama was enough to skyrocket him into the first-round conversation in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is now even in the QB1 discussion of the draft over Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, according to ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky.
However, former LSU star Breiden Fehoko isn’t ready to agree to that.
“Ty Simpson wasn’t even going to start at Bama in 2026 and here y’all go calling him QB1 this draft. This how GMs get fired watch,”Fehoko tweeted.
As for Orlovsky’s take on Simpson’s edge over Mendoza,he said:
“I think Ty Simpson is QB1. I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class. I think when you look at the body of work and what was asked of these two quarterbacks, you have to start with the question, who needed to do more to carry their football team to play well? Ty Simpson, and it’s not close between those two quarterbacks. Who took more games over throughout the course of the season? Ty Simpson. It’s not even close.”
Ty Simpson QB1 Talk Sparks Backlash as Breiden Fehoko Fires Off Bold GM Firing Take
Ty Simpson QB1 Talk Sparks Backlash as Breiden Fehoko Fires Off Bold GM Firing Take (Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Mendoza enters the draft coming off one of the most decorated single seasons in college football history, having led Indiana to an undefeated National Championship while winning the Heisman Trophy. Scouts view him as the most pro-ready passer in the class, while his pressure-to-sack rate (18.9%) is a primary concern for teams with rebuilding offensive lines.
Simpson’s stock peaked during a strong four-game stretch against Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee. His performance at the Alabama Pro Day this week could bridge the gap for teams that value mobility and playmaking over pure pocket efficiency.
Ty Simpson Earns High Praise from Former NFL Safety
Simpson has only 15 games of college experience, as he had to wait for his chance in Alabama’s loaded quarterback room. However, he excelled after getting the starting nod, as he threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in the 2025 season.
Former NFL safety Louis Riddick is one of few to be higher on Simpson’s potential.
“I think it’s one of those people who, again, once you see him throw in person,” Riddick said during a segment on ESPN. “I think then you’re gonna really get a good feel for just what kind of horsepower this young man possesses in that right arm. We know he’s got it mentally..I think it’s the physical attributes that people are gonna want to see up close and personal. I’m a big believer in him… I think he’s gonna do nothing but help himself.”
Simpson will have another opportunity to earn rave reviews and boost his draft stock at the Crimson Tide’s Pro Day on Wednesday.