...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is losing its starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, to the NFL Draft following their College Football Playoff loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
After weeks of waiting, the star quarterback has made his decision amid speculation that he could enter the transfer portal and leave the school.
More news: LSU Targets Demond Williams Amid Growing Quarterback Need
Read More on NCAA
Simpson was one of the better signal callers all season long, though he did have a rough stretch to close out the season.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Simpson as his third-ranked quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class, ranked behind Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, both of whom have not declared for the draft due to their continued playoff runs.
...
Simpson threw for 3,567 yards in 2025, ranking 10th among quarterbacks. He also had a good touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28 scores to just five errant passes.
More news: Former Texas Starter Commits to Oklahoma in Stunning Red River Switch
His QBR was 76.0, good for 20th in the nation. During the Rose Bowl, Simpson went 12-for-16 for just 67 yards, eventually getting pulled from the game and having back-up Austin Mack.
What Does This Mean For Alabama?
Simpson's status as a starter was already being questioned after a Rose Bowl exit that left a sour taste in many Alabama fans ' mouths, though his decision to leave clears a path for either Mack or freshman Keelon Russell to step into the starting role.
Russell is one of the more highly regarded high school recruits from the 2025 class, though he redshirted in 2025, learning behind Simpson.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer has a very quarterback-friendly system, which could help Russell thrive early in his college football career.
Another season of Simpson's production could have been better in the short term, but his entrance into the NFL draft may be the best move for both parties, as Alabama gets to look forward and hand the keys to fresh blood at such a crucial position in either Mack or, more likely, Russell.
More news: Brendan Sorsby’s NIL Deal Exceeds Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Rookie Contract
For more college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines