Ty Simpson Stays at Alabama: NFL Draft Decision Explained
College athletes move around a lot these days, chasing better chances and those big NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. But Ty Simpson? He’s different. The former Alabama quarterback made noise by heading straight for the NFL draft instead of transferring, even though he got some pretty tempting offers.
Simpson’s choice really highlights his loyalty to the Alabama Crimson Tide. He wanted to leave his mark there, not somewhere else. Let’s dig into Simpson’s journey, his breakout 2025 season, and what kept him at Alabama until the end.
Ty Simpson’s Loyalty to Alabama
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Ty Simpson came in as a five-star recruit in 2022. He spent three years as a backup, just waiting for his shot. When 2025 rolled around, he finally got to start—and he made it count.
He racked up 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Alabama finished 11-4, landing a Rose Bowl spot in the College Football Playoff. They lost to Indiana, but Simpson’s performance made it clear he was among the nation’s top quarterbacks.
Turning Down Lucrative Offers
Simpson didn’t make his NFL draft decision overnight. His agent, Peter Webb, said other schools threw some serious NIL money at him—low-to-mid seven figures. Still, Simpson stuck with Alabama.
He felt transferring would stain his legacy. Webb put it bluntly: “In a time where kids transfer for more money at every possible turn and make it a transactional decision based on finances, Ty is a unicorn and took the road less traveled.” That’s rare these days, isn’t it?
Simpson’s Stellar 2025 Season
His 2025 season? Pretty wild. Simpson finished second in the SEC for passing yards, just behind Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss.
He tossed 28 touchdowns against only five picks, showing off some sharp decision-making. Simpson led Alabama to an 11-4 record and a Rose Bowl appearance, even though Indiana ended up as champions that year.
Key Statistics
- Passing Yards: 3,567 (second in the SEC)
- Touchdowns: 28
- Interceptions: 5
- Team Record: 11-4
Those numbers—and his leadership—really set him apart at Alabama.
The Road Ahead: NFL Draft Prospects
Now, with Oregon’s Dante Moore staying in school, Simpson’s ranked as the No. 2 draft-eligible quarterback for the 2026 NFL draft. Austin Mock from The Athletic says Simpson’s loyalty and on-field performance make him a top prospect.
Among the other top QBs—Mendoza, Chambliss, Drew Allar (Penn State), and Carson Beck (Miami)—only Simpson and Allar never transferred. Simpson’s also unique because he started just one season. That’s gutsy if you ask me.
Top Draft-Eligible Quarterbacks
- Ty Simpson (Alabama): No. 2-ranked, never transferred, one season as starter
- Mendoza: Highly ranked, transferred
- Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss): Highly ranked, transferred
- Drew Allar (Penn State): Never transferred, multiple seasons as starter
- Carson Beck (Miami): Highly ranked, transferred
Legacy and Pride
For Simpson, staying at Alabama went way beyond football. “The last thing I wanted to do was tarnish my legacy and go somewhere else where I didn’t go out of high school, and I didn’t want to play,” Simpson said.
He wants to see “University of Alabama” next to his name on draft day. That pride runs deep. In a world where money usually talks, Simpson’s story shows there’s still something to be said for loyalty.
Simpson’s Final Thoughts
As he gets ready for the NFL draft, Simpson stands by his choice. “Hopefully, in the draft, whenever my name gets written on a card, they write the University of Alabama on there. It’s going to give me great pride,” he said.
Simpson’s rise from backup to NFL prospect? It’s a story of patience, loyalty, and a real love for his team.
Conclusion
Ty Simpson decided to enter the NFL draft without transferring to another school. That’s a pretty rare move these days in college football.
He stuck with Alabama, showing real loyalty. After a strong 2025 season, he’s now one of the top prospects for the 2026 NFL draft.
If you’re curious and want the whole story on Ty Simpson and his choice to stay put, check out the full article on The New York Times Athletic here.