Jon Gruden: 'Ty Simpson could win the Heisman Trophy this year'

Through his first six games as Alabama’s starting quarterback, Ty Simpson has been impressive. He shook off a rocky start against Florida State and has led the charge during the Crimson Tide’s five-game winning streak.

Simpson also has the attention of Jon Gruden. In fact, the former NFL coach and current Barstool Sports personality thinks he’s squarely in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy.

Gruden listed Simpson and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as likely the top two players at the position heading into Week 8. Specifically with Simpson, he thinks the Heisman could be in the cards with the way he’s currently playing in Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb’s scheme.

“I love Ty Simpson. I think right now, he and Mendoza are the top two guys,” Gruden said on Pardon My Take. “Ty Simpson could win the Heisman Trophy this year. He’s not making everyday throws now – he’s pushing it down the field, he’s getting out of trouble. He’s got a soul about him, man. I think his team loves him.”

Friday night, Simpson’s odds of winning college football’s most prestigious award improved dramatically. Miami quarterback Carson Beck’s odds plummeted after he threw four interceptions in a loss to Louisville, meaning Simpson became the favorite at +250, according to BetMGM. Beck is now +2500.

Jon Gruden: Ty Simpson ‘is the real deal’

Ty Simpson is completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,678 yards and an SEC-leading 16 touchdowns, to just one interception. He also has two rushing touchdowns on the year, as well.

Amid the Tide’s five-game win streak, Simpson continues to emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He topped On3’s Heisman Trophy Poll this past week with 66 points – 12 more than the second-highest vote-getter, Mendoza. Additionally, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Simpson as the No. 3 quarterback on his initial Big Board behind Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.

But Gruden specifically pointed to Simpson’s signature win against Georgia at Sanford Stadium. He went 24 of 38 for 276 yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing score, as Alabama got the 24-21 victory.

To have that kind of night at Georgia added to Simpson’s achievements, according to Gruden. The two have also met before, meaning the former coach got to see how Simpson operates, as well.

“When you go to Georgia and win and eliminate Georgia’s longtime home winning streak, the way he did it, he is a dog,” Gruden said. “He’s a coach’s son. I had a chance to meet him. He came down to our office. He’s the real deal, man.”

Simpson will have another opportunity for a big-time win on Saturday night. Tennessee is coming to Tuscaloosa for the Third Saturday in October rivalry game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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