Alabama became the latest high-profile program with a quarterback opening with the news that Ty Simpson is headed to the NFL Draft.
Simpson informed the Crimson Tide coaching staff that he will declare for the draft, according to multiple reports that emerged Wednesday morning. The former five-star prospect had one year of eligibility remaining. Instead, he will turn pro after one season as the starter in Tuscaloosa.
Athlon’s Luke Easterling projects Simpson as a late first-round selection in his latest mock draft. Easterling believes that Simpson would be best served by another year in college, but he lauded his accuracy and anticipation.
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It was those traits that helped him lead Alabama (11-4) to an appearance in the SEC championship and a College Football Playoff berth. But after a 34-24 comeback win on the road against Oklahoma in the first round, the Crimson Tide’s postseason run ended in the quarterfinals with a 38-3 thumping at the hands of top-seeded Indiana and potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
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After Simpson was injured, coach Kalen DeBoer turned to Austin Mack with ’Bama trailing 24-0 in the third quarter. That change under center led to the Crimson Tide’s only points of the game on a nine-play, 65-yard drive that netted a field goal.
Mack, a one-time four-star recruit who followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, finished 11-for-16 for 103 yards in his fourth appearance of the season. He could wind up starting under center for the Crimson Tide in 2026, but he’s sure to face stiff competition from five-star freshman Keelon Russell — and potentially others.
Russell, the crown jewel of Alabama’s third-ranked 2025 recruiting class, appeared in just two games this season. He has affirmed his intention to return to the Tide for his sophomore season. Russell also indicated he would be back after the Rose Bowl loss, though the transfer portal is still open through Jan. 16.
Alabama has been quiet in the portal so far with just four additions, a haul headlined by running back Hollywood Smothers (NC State). The Crimson Tide did also ink the No. 2 high school recruiting class, which includes four-star quarterback prospect Jett Thomalla.
The 2026 version of Alabama is sure to look markedly different from the 2025 team. The Crimson Tide are set to lose not only Simpson but also their leading rusher (Jam Miller), receiver (Germie Bernard) and tackler (Deontae Lawson) to the NFL, in addition to multiple starters along the offensive line.
A roster reset might ultimately do Alabama well. DeBoer is 20-8 since he arrived in Tuscaloosa almost two years ago to the day. This past season was an improvement from his debut between a victory over Georgia, CFP appearance (and win) and trip to Atlanta. Still, his record pales in comparison to the tail end of Nick Saban’s tenure in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide lost eight games total over Saban’s final five seasons.
Fair or not, DeBoer will continue to be held up against his predecessor — the greatest coach the sport has ever seen. Nailing the next quarterback is a key decision in ensuring further improvement is seen in Year 3. The competition to start under center on Sept. 5 against East Carolina will play out in spring practice and into the summer.
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