Alabama QB could 'soar up' 2026 NFL Draft boards with good year

One year of exceptional play is all a college football athlete needs to turn professional.

For the University of Alabama, the program had names such as Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, Quinnen Williams, Brian Robinson, and Mac Jones among others that needed just one season of being a marquee player in college and got drafted in the National Football League.

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Robinson is the lone player of the group that was not selected in the first round.

Ty Simpson, a fourth-year quarterback, is in this situation now.

The former five-star from the 2022 recruiting cycle enters this season as potentially the Crimson Tide’s starting signal-caller. He served as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, yet his time has come to lead the team to the College Football Playoff and a national championship opportunity. Simpson, who is listed at 6’2″ and 210 pounds, has the support of the coaching staff, teammates, and a former three-time national champion — AJ McCarron.

How good can he be under Ryan Grubb as his offensive coordinator?

Pro Football Focus, a website that delves into the analytics of college and NFL, sees Simpson as a prospect that can ‘soar up’ on draft boards with a good season.

2026 NFL Draft prospects that could SOAR up draft boards next season🚀

(Via: @CFBMaxChadwick) pic.twitter.com/TpElg5EoEZ

— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2025