The 2026 NFL Draft is loaded with talent across the defensive side of the ball, and is also viewed as having some highly intriguing offensive line prospects.
However, it is notoriously one of the weakest quarterback classes of the past decade, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza being the only surefire first-round pick. Despite the clear talent deficiency in this year’s quarterback class, ESPN’s biggest shows have been holding debates centered around Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Now, much of the buzz around Simpson came as a result of ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky saying that Simpson is the best quarterback in the class on the “Pat McAfee Show,” citing the lack of big games that Mendoza played in.
Also, just please enjoy @PatMcAfeeShow destroying Dan Orlovsky on live television pic.twitter.com/dQcQT8CIns
— SleeperRaiders (@SleeperRaiders) March 24, 2026
Orlovsky was quickly checked by McAfee and company, who pointed out that Mendoza led Indiana to a 16-0 record and championship, during which he outdueled Simpson head-to-head.
Regardless, the debate gave ESPN shows enough content for a week, with Awful Announcing reporting that Simpson was the most-discussed athlete in sports, totaling 85 mentions. A mark that was more than Tiger Woods (83), LeBron James (37) and Mendoza (41).
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Although it isn’t uncommon for quarterbacks in the draft to generate buzz, the source of Simpson’s buzz is viewed as being unauthentically manufactured.
Many fans and internet sleuths have come to the conclusion that Orlovsky and other ESPN talents are represented by the same agency as Simpson, which is why he is pushing the narrative.
A narrative that is quite unpopular online.
Ty Simpson was the most talked about athlete on ESPN this week. That is a major problem.https://t.co/JNxjYaX9dX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 29, 2026
“CAA is the problem. They rep Mike Greenberg, Mike Tannenbaum, Dan Orlovsky, and Ty Simpson. It’s a joke. Basically free advertising for their client,” wrote one fan.
“ESPN only cares about sports/leagues they cover. March Madness doesn’t exist for them. Endless Self Promotion Network,” said another.
“That’s because @danorlovsky7 decided Monday morning ratings were low and wanted to drum up a pointless discussion,” suggested a third.
“Tells you how bad ESPN is now,” added another.
“It’s as simple as this. The SEC is an ESPN conference. The Big Ten is not. Their conference is dominated by the Big and they can’t handle it. Talking points,” said one fan.
The draft and the next few years will settle the debate, but this talking point seems to be far from done.
Related: How Many Picks Are in the NFL Draft?