Alabama prospect Ty Simpson continues to turn heads ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. The quarterback became the No. 2 quarterback in this year’s class after Dante Moore decided to return to Oregon for one more season.
Simpson has made the most of every opportunity he’s had to showcase his talents. He drew attention during the combine last month, and his Pro Day was another opportunity to show NFL teams that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
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Speaking on his readiness for the league, Simpson made a confident statement, saying he was a lock to the first round.
“Absolutely,” Simpson said. “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, but it’s not up to me. I just know that wherever I go, I’m going to give it my all and make sure I’ll put my best foot forward.
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“There’s going to be a lot of questions around my name. I know what I’m capable of, and I know whoever gets me is going to get a good player and a guy who loves football and a guy who loves the team and loves being a part of something bigger than himself.”
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Simpson unlocked his potential in 2025. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. During his duel with Fernando Mendoza at the CFP, he left Alabama’s 38-3 blowout loss with a rib injury.
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Dan Orlovsky says Ty Simpson is better than Fernando Mendoza
During Monday’s edition of ESPN’s “Get Up,” former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said that Ty Simpson would enter the league as a better player than Fernando Mendoza, widely considered this year’s 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.”
Simpson added more to that notion during his Pro Day, but as things stand right now, the Las Vegas Raiders will go with Mendoza with the No. 1 pick next month.
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