Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson didn’t put on the performance he needed in the SEC Championship Game. Georgia’s defense controlled almost every snap, and Simpson finished the night looking far from the quarterback who sparked early first-round buzz. With the 2026 NFL Draft closing in, his once-steady rise has turned into a tougher evaluation.

A Tough Night That Opened Bigger Questions

Ty Simpson went 19-for-39 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and a late interception. Plus, Alabama’s offense managed -3 rushing yards, and the offensive line struggled from the opening drive. Receivers weren’t gaining separation, and the pockets collapsed quickly.

Still, when Simpson finally had time, he didn’t look like himself. His timing became inconsistent, his ball placement deteriorated, and he appeared rushed after taking repeated hits. That pattern has surfaced before—the Oklahoma loss and the two-pick game against Eastern Illinois raised similar concerns. NFL scouts track how quarterbacks respond under stress. Right now, they’re unsure.

Simpson said, “We’re just one or two things away from having a big play. I think credit to Georgia’s defense, they did a good job. We have to make the easy things easy… We know we’re the best offense in the country. Then, when we don’t show it, it’s very frustrating. Especially times when we’re just a couple of things away.”

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-Imagn Images
A Stock That Once Rose Quickly Is Now Cooling Off

In October and early November, Simpson appeared to be a genuine QB1 contender. He stacked wins over Georgia (Week 5), Vanderbilt, Missouri, South Carolina, and LSU while showing:

1. strong pre-snap command
2. fast processing
3. accurate intermediate throws
4. stable pocket movement

Analysts had him in the same tier as Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza. But as PFSN’s Ian Cummings noted, Simpson’s draft arc has been “a parabolic curve.” His early run was electric. His late-season dip is undeniable.

He still owns solid season numbers—26 touchdowns, five interceptions—and an 85.6 QB Impact score, but one season of starting isn’t much for NFL teams to trust. Even late-season inconsistency makes that more challenging.

Right now, he’s still in the first-round discussion, but the momentum is fading.

Should Simpson Return to Alabama in 2026?

It’s a real option.

Returning could give him:

1. more starting reps
2. Time to clean up mechanics under pressure
3. a deeper body of tape
4. A better rhythm with Alabama’s young receivers

It could also push him into early-round lock status for 2027.

But there’s a risk. Staying too long has hurt quarterbacks before—Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, and Garrett Nussmeier are recent examples. Simpson has to weigh whether one more season will help him become a top-10 pick or expose more inconsistencies.

Ty Simpson Spot in the 2026 NFL Draft Race

The ceiling is still high for Simpson. Because when the young quarterback’s footwork holds, and he’s reading cleanly, he flashes:

1. a quick, NFL-ready release
2. strong velocity
3. reliable intermediate accuracy
4. mobility to escape and create

Those traits still matter. Currently, the issue lies in consistency, not ability.

A strong bowl performance could help him stabilize his stock. Alternatively, a rough one could push him back toward a return to Tuscaloosa. Right now, Simpson sits in the middle: talented enough to declare early, but raw sufficient that one more season might unlock his full value.

Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images