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Kirk Herbstreit believes Ty Simpson is top QB in 2026 NFL Draft class

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs9 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Gary Cosby | USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The quarterbacks who were projected to be the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft at the beginning of the season haven’t lived up to expectations. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit named Alabama‘s Ty Simpson the best quarterback prospect in the upcoming draft.

“I would say Ty Simpson,” Herbstreit said. “He’s not sexy. He’s not going to go to the combine. He’s not going to be, ‘Look at this guy.’ But, he seems to be a guy that has an ability to read, recognize coverage, process, get the ball out. He can move around just enough to be able to be dangerous, to be able to keep plays alive.

“But we don’t have that huge 6’4”, 240-pound guy that everybody is going to say, ‘Wow, I can’t wait to watch what this guy does.’ Now, these guys are probably gonna go, and people are going to be enamored, like they were with Anthony Richardson and others when they see these guys that are big and strong and can spin it.”

In his first season as Alabama’s QB1, Simpson has been spectacular. Simpson has completed 66.9% of his pass attempts for 2,461 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, compared to just one interception.

Simpson’s individual accomplishments have translated to team success. The Crimson Tide are 8-0 since losing their season-opener to Florida State. Most recently, Alabama defeated LSU in convincing 20-9 fashion.

While Herbstreit believes Simpson is the best quarterback prospect in this draft class, experts aren’t all in agreement. On Oct. 29, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. named Simpson the No. 3 QB in the 2026 draft class, trailing Oregon‘s Dante Moore and Indiana‘s Fernando Mendoza.

“His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn’t start a game until this season, but the production is hard to ignore,” Kiper wrote. “Simpson knows the game and competes on every down.

“He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there.”

Ty Simpson will have another chance to impressive NFL scouts this weekend. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide will square off against No. 12 Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air live on ABC.