Quarterback Ty Simpson stood out during the 2025 college football season, helping his team reach the CFP quarterfinal. The Martin, Tennessee, native had his best season at center in his four-year collegiate career, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, with 5 interceptions.
Ty Simpson Seeks To Prove First-Round Expectations In NFL Draft Combine
Simpson aims to ensure he is a first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft by participating in the NFL Draft Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. He is expected to be the top signal-caller in the event, as Heisman Trophy winner and projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza sits out the proceedings.
According to a social media post by NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, citing a source close to the situation, the Alabama signal-caller is expected to attend the NFL Draft Combine as he seeks to cement his status as the second-best quarterback available, behind Mendoza.
Simpson stepped out of Jalen Milroe’s shadow by leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoffs and the quarterfinals. He thrived in Kalen DeBoer’s system by focusing on making plays within the playbook and using his athleticism to extend plays.
However, the 6’2″, 208-pound signal-caller has patiently waited to become Alabama’s starting quarterback despite reports that other schools offered him $7 million. His patience paid off when he became the Crimson Tide’s QB1.
He also played through adversity, starting his final game in the Rose Bowl against Indiana despite a cracked rib. Although the Hoosiers, led by Fernando Mendoza, won 38-3, his courage and determination to finish his job were widely admired.
However, it is not only through moral victories and video highlights that Simpson wants to prove he is a legitimate first-rounder. He hopes his presence at the NFL Draft Combine will silence doubters about his potential and boost his draft stock heading into the draft proper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In Jacob Infante’s pre-NFL Draft Combine mock draft released Saturday, Simpson fell to the Arizona Cardinals in the second round, No. 34 overall. Infante cited issues with athleticism and arm strength, but what he lacked in those areas, he made up for with polished passing and surgical precision.
“He identifies soft spots in zone coverage well and exploits them accordingly. He does a good job of finding the open man, and he’s an accurate thrower of the football,” Infante said.
Meanwhile, Mendoza revealed during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” before Super Bowl 60 that he will not take part in the combine but will attend Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1 in Bloomington, where he will make some throws. A significant contingent of NFL scouts is set to attend the event to evaluate the record-setting class.
“At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing,” Mendoza said. “I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.”
Mendoza made his teammates look better on offense en route to becoming this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. The Cal transfer accumulated 3,535 passing yards, with 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this past season. His superb showing helped the Hoosiers finish with an unblemished 16-0 record and win the National Championship by outclassing Miami 27-21.
