Ty Simpson did not shy away from expectations when asked about his NFL future at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. After meeting with the New York Jets’ brass in Indianapolis, the former Alabama quarterback delivered a confident assessment of his trajectory, reinforcing why he remains firmly in the first-round conversation.
Ty Simpson Calls Himself a ‘Franchise Quarterback’ After Jets Meeting
Reporting from the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy captured Simpson’s direct and self-assured tone in Indianapolis. Simpson also addressed the possibility of landing in New York, where the Jets hold the No. 2, No. 16, and No. 33 overall picks in April’s draft.
“I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said. “If I have the opportunity to play in New York,” Simpson said, “they’re going to get the best Ty Simpson.”
The Jets met with Simpson at the combine, and he described the interaction as centered on football. He praised head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich, noting the time spent installing plays and working through concepts on the whiteboard. The meeting adds another layer to New York’s quarterback evaluation as the franchise searches for long-term stability at the position.
Simpson enters the draft cycle as the consensus QB2 behind projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. While early projections link the Jets to defensive prospects at the top of the board, their draft capital gives them flexibility to address quarterback later in the first round if they choose.
Production and projection both shape Simpson’s evaluation.
In his lone season as Alabama’s full-time starter, Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He posted an 85.4 PFSN College QB Impact score and finished No. 25 in the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings.
His season featured a clear split. During an 8-1 start, Simpson threw 21 touchdowns. Over Alabama’s 3-3 finish, his completion rate dipped to 60.5 percent. That late stretch, combined with just 15 career starts, remains central to his draft debate. Simpson acknowledged the responsibility for Alabama’s uneven finish.
“I definitely think I have to play better,” he said. “I have to have accountability in that. I have to make sure that we win those big-time games.”
Health was also addressed in Indianapolis. Simpson exited Alabama’s College Football Playoff loss with a cracked rib but confirmed he is fully recovered.
With limited collegiate starts and a wide range of draft projections, Simpson’s confidence stands out as much as his arm talent. The Jets, armed with premium picks and seeking direction under center, are evaluating whether that confidence translates into franchise-level production at the next level.
