The Los Angeles Rams have chosen former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the 13th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson, a native of Martin, was the second quarterback to be drafted, following Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who was picked first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Simpson's journey from Westview High School to a prominent collegiate career at Alabama has culminated in this significant milestone, marking him as a promising talent for the professional league.
Simpson's collegiate performance at Alabama was noteworthy, especially during his last season where he started all 15 games. He led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, showcasing his capabilities as a dynamic signal-caller. During this period, he completed an impressive 64.5% of his passes, accumulating 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns against only five interceptions. His exceptional play earned him recognition as a finalist for the Manning Award and a semifinalist for both the Walter Camp and Davey O'Brien Awards, highlighting his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Before his time at Alabama, Simpson made a significant impact at Westview High School. In 2021, he was honored as the Class 2A Mr. Football and Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year. He led the Westview Chargers to their first-ever TSSAA football state championship, demonstrating his leadership and athletic prowess from an early age. His high school career statistics were equally impressive, including throwing for 2,827 yards with 41 touchdowns and rushing for 862 yards with 11 touchdowns in his senior year, earning him the title of All-West Tennessee Offensive Player of the Year by The Jackson Sun.
Scouts have identified both strengths and areas for development in Simpson's profile. His ability to quickly identify and exploit defensive weaknesses, combined with NFL-ready footwork, sharp instincts, and sound decision-making, makes him an attractive prospect. His mechanics are also highly regarded, providing a solid foundation for his professional career. However, his limited experience as a one-year starter at Alabama, along with a perceived lack of elite size or arm strength, has raised some questions among teams. Inconsistencies observed later in his final college season also contributed to cautious assessments regarding his readiness for the NFL.
Despite these concerns, Simpson's impressive accuracy and composure in the pocket have been consistent highlights. Scouts have praised his capacity to react swiftly to defensive schemes and efficiently move the ball down the field. While discussions around his arm strength and physical stature persist, his consistent success at every level of play, coupled with his strong fundamentals, explains why he was a highly sought-after talent in the draft. The Rams will be looking to further develop these inherent talents and integrate him into their offensive strategy.
Simpson comes from a strong football background. His father, Jason Simpson, has been a successful head coach for Tennessee Martin football since 2005, leading the Skyhawks to five OVC championships. Ty's younger brother, Graham Simpson, is also making waves in high school football. Graham, set to be a junior at Westview, was named Class 3A Mr. Football this past season after guiding Westview to its second state title. He set TSSAA records for most passing yards (566) and longest touchdown pass (99 yards) in a championship game, while also tying the record for most passing touchdowns (7), showcasing the family's deep roots in the sport.
In summary, the acquisition of Ty Simpson by the Los Angeles Rams signifies a strategic move to bolster their quarterback position with a talent renowned for his precision, strategic acumen, and leadership capabilities. His journey from a high school champion to a celebrated collegiate athlete, despite a single starting season, has prepared him for the rigors of professional football. The Rams' investment in Simpson reflects their confidence in his potential to adapt and excel, building on his strong foundation of skill and an inherent understanding of the game passed down through his football-centric family.
