Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, with analysts undecided on whether he merits a first-round grade. Simpson accumulated 15 starts in college after serving as the Crimson Tide’s backup for three years.
In a clip on Barstool Sports’ YouTube channel from Jon Gruden’s quarterback class, the coach discussed a play by Simpson during his time with the Crimson Tide.
Jon Gruden Discusses Ty Simpson’s Alabama Fake Play
“There was this play action pass, that you and the back both fell down on, that was the greatest ball faking I’ve ever seen,” Gruden said. “This is a real play? I thought you both slipped. I was just busting your ba**s. Damnedest play I’ve ever seen in my life. I love you, Simpson.”
In his first season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, Simpson led the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff, finishing his career as a starter with an 11-4 record. He suffered a fractured rib in the Rose Bowl against Indiana.
He earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 85.4 after registering 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season.
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Dan Orlovsky Discusses Simpson’s NFL Readiness Ahead of Draft
During Monday’s episode of the “Ross Tucker Podcast,” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky discussed his assessment of Simpson’s readiness to become a starter in the NFL despite his limited starts.
“I would tell everybody that if we were going over all the guys that are the best in the league over an extended period of time, and there’s different levels,” Orlovsky said. “I don’t believe I’ve stated that I’m putting Ty Simpson into that very rare group of the Lamar (Jackson)s, Josh (Allens), Patrick (Mahomes)s and Joe (Burrows) and whatnot.
“But I believe that he’s a starting quarterback in the NFL. No. 1, can you see what the defense is doing and know where the ball is supposed to go? I think Ty Simpson’s tape is an overwhelming yes in that regard.”
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While Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the projected No. 1 overall pick in many mock drafts after leading the Hoosiers to an unbeaten national championship season, Orlovsky evaluated Simpson as the top quarterback in the 2026 draft class.
