Ty Simpson-QB, Alabama
Sportsvival continues its look at premier prospects projected for the 2026 NFL Draft, spotlighting signal‑callers who combine polish, processing, and starter traits. Today’s profile centers on Ty Simpson, Alabama’s ascending quarterback whose accuracy, pocket feel, and game‑management instincts have pushed him into early first‑round conversations.
Background and Recruit Profile
High school: Westview High School Martin Tennessee; four‑star recruit. High school production: Senior season: 2,827 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns; 862 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns. Those totals, paired with Simpson’s leadership and timing, earned him Power Five attention and a scholarship to Alabama.
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height/Weight: 6 ft 2 in; 208 lbs. Compact, pro‑ready frame with a clean throwing platform. Simpson’s game emphasizes timing and accuracy over pure arm power. He shows functional mobility to extend plays and pick up yards when necessary, but he profiles primarily as a rhythm‑based pocket passer at the next level.
College Career and Production
2025 season (Alabama): Games Played: 12; Completions/Attempts: 256/389; Completion Percentage: 65.8%; Passing Yards: 3,056; Passing Touchdowns: 25; Interceptions: 4; Passer Rating: 150.95; Rushing Attempts: 75; Rushing Yards: 126; Rushing Touchdowns: 2; Yards per Game: 254.7. Simpson’s 2025 campaign showcased efficient decision‑making, a low turnover rate, and consistent production in high‑leverage situations. His tape features rhythm throws, quick progressions, and the ability to manage Alabama’s offense under pressure.
Strengths
Accuracy and timing: Consistently delivers catchable, in‑stride throws that allow receivers to gain yards after the catch.
Poise and processing: Reads progressions quickly and operates with veteran calm in the pocket.
Pocket navigation: Subtle slides and resets to buy time while maintaining structure.
Football IQ: Strong command of concepts, situational awareness, and third‑down execution.
Low turnover profile: 25:4 TD‑to‑INT ratio in 2025 underscores disciplined decision‑making.
Weaknesses
Arm strength ceiling: Not an elite velocity arm; some deep throws can lack ideal zip, which may limit certain vertical concepts at the next level.
Limited extended starting experience: While 2025 was a strong step, more sustained tape against top competition and pre‑draft testing will be important.
Not a primary rushing threat: Mobility is functional but not a consistent source of chunk plays on the ground.
Player Profile and Projection
Draft projection: Early Round 1 candidate if he sustains efficiency and shows incremental gains in downfield velocity. Role projection: Day‑1 starter in pro‑style or West Coast systems that prioritize timing, accuracy, and low turnover. Ceiling and floor: Floor: a reliable NFL starter who manages an offense efficiently; Ceiling: a franchise quarterback who runs a high‑efficiency passing attack and minimizes turnovers.
Pro Comparison
Primary comparison: Kirk Cousins. Similar in profile as a rhythm‑based, accuracy‑first pocket passer who wins with timing, processing, and consistency rather than elite physical traits. Like Cousins, Simpson projects as a quarterback who can produce early and sustain value in structure‑oriented offenses.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival views Ty Simpson as a polished, high‑IQ prospect whose accuracy, pocket feel, and steady decision‑making make him one of the safer quarterback bets in the 2026 class. His 2025 numbers (3,056 passing yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs) reinforced early first‑round buzz; continued development in arm strength and expanded starting experience will determine whether he cements a top‑10 grade or projects as a high‑end starter.
(photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics)