Tennessee, Alabama, or the NFL: The best decision for Ty Simpson is obvious, but it’s understandable if the QB takes another path

Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson is reportedly weighing entering the NFL Draft or returning to college.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Alabama Crimson Tide redshirt junior quarterback Ty Simpson has a tough decision to make.

Simpson is reportedly weighing whether to return to college or declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson hasn’t made a decision yet on what he’ll do in 2026, according to Peter Webb, his sports marketing agent,” reported ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday. “The NFL looms as the most likely option, but nothing has been decided.”

If Simpson decides to return to college, it’s possible he could enter the NCAA transfer portal (if Alabama decides they’re ready to turn the offense over to Austin Mack or former five-star recruit Keelon Russell).

And if Simpson enters the portal, the Tennessee Vols would instantly become a likely landing spot.

“I do not believe Ty Simpson will be back at Alabama next year, I think he’s gone,” said On3’s Chris Low this week on the RTI Low-Down podcast. “I think it’s either he’s going to the pros and entering the draft, or I think he’s going to go into the portal.”

“If he does transfer, I think you’re going to see Ty Simpson as Tennessee’s quarterback next year,” added Low.

Simpson, who has one season of eligibility remaining, was recruited heavily by Josh Heupel and the Vols in early 2021 (Simpson was likely on his way to Tennessee before Jeremy Pruitt was fired).

Heupel, however, had yet to coach a game for the Vols when Simpson was ready to make his decision. As a result, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide won the battle for the five-star quarterback.

The best decision for Ty Simpson is obvious, but it won’t be an easy decision to make

The general feeling is that Simpson will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft if he gets assurances that he’ll be a first round pick.

It would be nearly impossible for any player to pass up being a first round pick. I don’t think there’s anyone that would blame Simpson for declaring for the draft.

But I don’t think that’s the best path for him — at least not for his development, not just as a quarterback, but as a player overall.

I understand that money is a big part of the equation (though I don’t know to what extent it’s a factor for Simpson). But let’s take money out of the equation for a minute and just focus on Simpson as a player.

The Tennessee native is clearly a high level quarterback. Simpson is a good decision maker, he sees the field well, he’s an elite teammate, and he’s a great leader. It’s tough to predict future quarterback success, but I think it’s obvious that Simpson has a chance to be an impact player at the next level.

But why rush to get to the next level?

Year after year we see talented young quarterbacks go to the NFL and get thrust into a tough situation before they’re ready. And it sets development back.

It doesn’t always work out that way, but more often than not, it seems to be the case.

(Young quarterbacks with no pro experience are expected to be instant team leaders and answer tough questions about the team’s performance while still learning how to navigate being a pro.)

Simpson only has one season of experience as a college starter under his belt. And the second half of that one season featured some uneven performances (due to injury, Alabama’s lack of a run game, etc). Simpson ended the 2025 season on the bench as Alabama was blown out by Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

For Simpson, it’s the first time he’s been through this type of adversity at this level. Now, I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, I think the adversity will make him a better player. But I think there’s some real value in returning to college, building more confidence, and overcoming the adversity before progressing to the next level.

I understand that getting to the NFL is a dream for Simpson. But the goal isn’t just to get to the NFL, the goal is to get there and thrive.

And you know, maybe things would work out for Simpson if he declares for the draft now. Again, no one knows how it’ll work out for him if he declares. But I don’t think there’s any doubt that he’d be more prepared for the NFL if he has another year of big-time college football starting experience.

Now, as for whether he should return to Alabama or transfer to Tennessee (or another school) if he decides to skip the NFL for now?

Well, I don’t think I can answer that question for Simpson. I don’t think any of us can. Ultimately, he has to decide which program would be the best for him personally. But whether it’s Alabama, Tennessee, or Oregon, I think it’s undeniable that Simpson would be a better NFL player after one more year in college.

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