Ty Simpson NFL Draft Profile: Alabama QB’s Strengths & Concerns

Martin, Tennessee, is a town of roughly 15,000 people, nestled nearly three hours west of Nashville. For Ty Simpson, it’s been home for almost his entire life, the place where his football journey began, and where his father, Jason Simpson, has served as the head football coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin since 2006. But Simpson’s talent quickly outgrew the local landscape, attracting attention from college programs across the country, even prompting a unique proposition from the University of Tennessee itself – recruiting both Ty and his father, as quarterback and assistant coach, respectively.

Simpson’s rise was meteoric. By eighth grade, he was already fielding offers from colleges. That momentum continued through high school at Westview, where he totaled 27 touchdowns as a junior and then led his team to the 2A Tennessee State Championship as a senior, amassing an impressive 41 passing touchdowns, 2,827 passing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 862 rushing yards in 14 games. The accolades followed: Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year honors and an invitation to the 2022 All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

every single school in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) extended an offer to Simpson. Ranked as a five-star recruit by 247Sports, he chose Alabama over LSU, Ole Miss, and even his father’s program at Tennessee-Martin. The decision placed him in a high-pressure environment, but also provided a platform to compete at the highest level of college football.

As of January 1, 2026, Jason Simpson has been a head football coach for 20 years, all of them at UT Martin. He’s one of only four coaches in the FCS or FBS to have been at their current school for longer, a testament to his stability and success. During his tenure, he’s led the Skyhawks to three Ohio Valley Conference championships and two Substantial South-OVC championships, earning OVC Coach of the Year honors in 2006.

Balancing the demands of coaching UT Martin with following his son’s career at Alabama has turn into a routine for Jason Simpson. In 2025, he made a point of attending as many of Ty’s games as possible, even arranging for televisions to be set up in tailgate pods at UT Martin’s home games so he could watch the Crimson Tide play simultaneously. He even managed a remarkable feat in October 2025, coaching UT Martin to a 37-6 win over Gardner-Webb before catching a flight to Tuscaloosa to watch Ty warm up for Alabama’s game against Tennessee, donning the same sideline apparel he’d worn just hours earlier.

The relationship between father and son extends beyond mere attendance. A playful rivalry emerged in November 2025 when Ty jokingly accused Jason of copying a trick play run by Alabama during a game against South Carolina. Jason quickly dismissed the accusation, pointing out that UT Martin had run the same play the previous year. The exchange highlighted the competitive spirit within the family, and Jason’s long-standing coaching experience, emphasizing that he wasn’t simply mimicking his son’s team.

Heading into the 2026 Rose Bowl, where Alabama faced Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Jason Simpson was firmly in his son’s corner. His presence at the game underscored the strong family support system that has been instrumental in Ty’s development as a player.

As a quarterback, Ty Simpson possesses a unique blend of intelligence, athleticism, and arm talent. CBS Sports currently ranks him as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 33 overall prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Scouts note his ability to process defenses quickly, develop accurate throws, and extend plays with his legs. He’s been compared to Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, a quarterback known for his smarts, mobility, and accuracy.

Simpson’s strengths include a strong lower body that generates power in his throws, consistent footwork, and a knack for reading defenses before and after the snap. He’s also praised for his ability to anticipate throws, particularly against zone coverage, and deliver the ball with both velocity and touch. His willingness to leverage his legs to escape pressure and make plays adds another dimension to his game.

However, scouts also identify areas for improvement. Simpson’s limited college starting experience – just 15 games – is a concern, as is his slightly undersized frame. He battled injuries in 2025, including a herniated disc and elbow bursitis, which impacted his performance late in the season. His pass rush management and tendency to occasionally throw into tight coverage are also areas that NFL coaches will likely focus on developing.

Despite these concerns, Simpson’s football intelligence and processing ability are highly valued. He’s described as a quick learner with a strong work ethic, traits that suggest he has the potential to become a successful NFL starter. Teams like the Rams, Steelers, and Buccaneers, who may be in the market for a quarterback, are reportedly interested in his prospects.

Through his 31 college games, Simpson completed 334 of 523 passes (63.9%) for 3,948 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions. His career passer rating of 143.0 demonstrates his efficiency and accuracy. While his statistics are impressive, NFL teams will be evaluating his potential for growth and his ability to adapt to the demands of the professional game.

Ty Simpson’s journey from a little town in Tennessee to the brink of the NFL is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his father, Jason, who has guided him every step of the way.