The Crimson Tide’s starter has told Alabama he intends to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, triggering an offseason quarterback reshuffle in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has informed the program of his intention to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, according to reports from ESPN and college football insider Pete Thamel. The decision closes the book on Simpson’s one-year run as the Crimson Tide’s starter and immediately shifts attention to what could become one of the sport’s most watched offseason quarterback competitions.
Simpson stepped into the job after Alabama’s previous starter moved on, and he finished the season with production that put him firmly on NFL radars. He also exited the Rose Bowl loss with a rib issue that forced Alabama to turn to its backup, a moment that now reads like a preview of the transition ahead.
- Simpson is expected to make the move official publicly as draft preparation ramps up.
- Alabama’s returning quarterback room is led by Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, with two freshmen quarterbacks also arriving.
- The staff will have to balance “win-now” steadiness with long-term upside — and the portal always remains a wildcard.
ESPN’s initial report can be found via the network’s college football coverage, while the program’s roster listings and player pages provide the clearest view of who remains on scholarship. (Source links: ESPN College Football, Alabama roster.)
Alabama QB transition breakdown: who starts next?
Alabama’s next starter will likely come from a three-lane race: the experienced backup with real-game snaps, the high-upside young quarterback who has already flashed, and the incoming freshmen who arrive with recruiting momentum. Here’s how the depth chart looks right now — and what each path would mean.
1) The “steady hand” candidate: Austin Mack
Austin Mack is the most direct bridge to the present. He has already been thrust into meaningful action and, crucially, he’s the quarterback Alabama trusted when Simpson went down. In a transition year, that kind of functional readiness can matter as much as raw ceiling — especially if Alabama wants the offense to stay stable early in the season.
- Why he can win: game reps, familiarity, and the staff already leaned on him in a high-pressure moment.
- What he must show: he can drive explosive plays consistently, not just manage possessions.
- Best-case outcome: he starts Week 1 while younger QBs develop behind him.
2) The “ceiling play” candidate: Keelon Russell
Keelon Russell is the name fans will circle if Alabama wants to swing for upside. He’s already taken snaps and, by late season, programs often begin to prioritize who can become elite — not just who can survive. If Russell stacks a strong spring and wins the staff’s trust on protections and situational football, the job could be his.
- Why he can win: high-end talent profile, early flashes, and the kind of growth curve that can jump quickly between Year 1 and Year 2.
- What he must show: command at the line, consistency against disguised coverages, and fewer “boom-bust” stretches.
- Best-case outcome: he becomes the long-term starter and Alabama builds the system around him.
3) The “fast-riser” wildcards: incoming freshman QBs
Two freshman quarterbacks join the room, headlined by a higher-rated signee. In modern college football, true freshman starters are still rare at the top tier — but early enrollment, a strong spring, and an offense that fits can accelerate the timeline. Even if they don’t start immediately, their presence reshapes the depth chart by increasing competition and raising the stakes for the veterans.
- Jett Thomalla: the more highly rated of the two incoming quarterbacks; could push quickly if he adapts early.
- Tayden Kaawa: adds another developmental track and increases the room’s long-term options.
- Likely 2026 impact: competing for QB2/QB3 out of camp, with a chance to climb if injuries or inconsistency hit.
Depth chart impact: what Alabama’s QB room looks like now
With Simpson moving toward the NFL, Alabama’s quarterback structure becomes clearer — and also more fragile. There’s no proven returning starter, which raises the value of spring reps, chemistry with the top receivers, and protection calls with the offensive line.
- Projected QB1 battle: Austin Mack vs Keelon Russell
- Projected QB3 battle: Jett Thomalla vs Tayden Kaawa (with the possibility of one redshirting)
- Portal factor: if Alabama wants an older option for insurance, the staff could explore a short-term transfer — but that depends on who wins the job and who stays.
- Scenario A (conservative): Mack starts early; Russell rotates or takes over midseason if he’s clearly better.
- Scenario B (upside): Russell wins in spring and Alabama commits fully to his development as the face of the offense.
- Scenario C (chaos): tight battle + uneven camp leads to a portal addition for depth and competition.
For Alabama, the big question isn’t just “who starts” — it’s whether the staff prioritizes immediate stability or the quarterback with the highest long-term ceiling. Either way, the Simpson decision ensures Tuscaloosa will spend the offseason under a familiar spotlight: the next Alabama quarterback, and the weight that comes with it.
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