Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, widely considered the second-best quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, is scheduled to hold a private workout with the New York Jets this Friday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that the session was set, citing ESPN’s Field Yates. The Jets hold the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in this year’s first round, giving them genuine options at the position.
Simpson, a redshirt junior, spent this past season as Alabama’s starter and drew considerable pre-draft attention before a difficult second half of the year trimmed his stock. At Alabama’s pro day, he completed 50 of 55 passes in front of scouts. Friday’s session marks the next step in his pre-draft evaluation.
Where Ty Simpson Comes From and What His Game Actually Looks Like
New York Jets Ty Simpson
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (QB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Simpson grew up in Martin, Tennessee, where his father, Jason, has been the head football coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin since 2006. The game was always around him.
He arrived at Alabama as a highly recruited prospect and spent time developing behind previous starters before taking over the offense this past season. The move to starter was not seamless.
Simpson is praised for pre- and post-snap processing, polished footwork, and the ability to reset before throwing. He handled Alabama’s pro-style system from under center and in the shotgun.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson is scheduled to hold a private workout this Friday with the Jets, per @FieldYates. The Jets own picks No. 2 and No. 16 in this year’s first round. pic.twitter.com/rqsft8UIwl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2026
His season had two distinct stretches. He was a Heisman candidate midway through the year, but injuries and turnover issues in the second half affected his production and raised questions about consistency under pressure.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has argued against the narrative that Simpson slipped. In an appearance on Get Up, he said:
“I think Ty Simpson is QB1. I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class. When you look at the body of work and what was asked of these two quarterbacks, who needed to do more to carry their football team? Ty Simpson, and it’s not close.”
What This Private Workout Tells Us About Where the Jets Are Headed at Quarterback
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Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball against Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mario Landino (97) on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3.
New York brought in quarterback Geno Smith this offseason to stabilize the position in the short term. But the Jets also traded Justin Fields to Kansas City, which leaves the long-term picture at the position open.
NFL’s Chad Reuter has already projected Simpson to land with the Jets at No. 16. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. arrived at the same conclusion, both acknowledging Simpson could develop behind Smith before eventually taking over.
At the NFL Combine in February, Simpson referenced the Jets organization by name and spoke about his readiness to contribute immediately at the next level:
“I came to my decision, and I felt like I was ready, and I know that I’m ready.”
With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh set for late April, Friday could carry serious weight in New York’s decision.