His early season brilliance vanished. Now, Simpson faces a playoff referendum that could define his draft stock and Crimson Tide legacy.
For Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, the stage doesn’t get any bigger than this. The College Football Playoff isn’t just another postseason opportunity, it’s a referendum. Around NFL circles, the belief is clear: Simpson’s draft stock will rise or fall based on what happens next.
Earlier this season, Simpson looked untouchable. From September through much of October, he operated Alabama’s offense with confidence and control, slicing through defenses and making difficult throws look routine.
During that stretch, he didn’t just look like the best quarterback in the SEC, he looked like a future first-round pick.
Then came November.
The rhythm disappeared.
The confidence wavered.
Mistakes crept in.
What once looked effortless began to look forced, and the momentum Alabama rode for two months evaporated almost overnight. Simpson’s Heisman buzz faded, and the Crimson Tide suddenly found themselves fighting just to stay in the Playoff picture.
Much of the criticism landed squarely on Simpson, even though the offensive struggles were hardly his alone.
Protection broke down.
Timing with receivers faltered.
Still, quarterbacks shoulder the blame when things go wrong, and Simpson felt every bit of it.
That reality was addressed head-on by ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers during a Wednesday appearance on Get Up. Rodgers didn’t mince words about what’s at stake.
“I agree that so much is at stake. Here’s what I think. I think it’s either a Top 10 pick, if he plays well against Oklahoma, gets on a run in the College Football Playoff, or, I think, it’s go back to school. It is that big of a swing game against Oklahoma and what will happen in the College Football Playoff,” Rodgers said. “If they’re healthy, and he plays well, he can still play himself into a Top 10 pick. No doubt because the body of work is there, we just haven’t seen it the last couple of weeks. If he struggles, go back to school and stay another year. I think it’s that big of a swing game.”
Simpson’s inconsistencies are no longer a secret.
His struggles with confidence have shown up on tape, hesitating on reads, passing up open throws, and pressing when Alabama needs calm leadership most.
Those issues must be addressed immediately.
Friday’s matchup against Oklahoma offers no margin for error. This is where elite quarterbacks separate themselves. This is where legacies are formed.
For Ty Simpson, it’s time to get it together, because everything is on the line.