As Ty Simpson, dressed in gray sweats, walked toward the tunnel, confetti flew into the air in the distance.
He looked down and ran his fingers through his hair twice. Moments later, as he walked off the Rose Bowl field, freshman right tackle Michael Carroll approached him and gave him a side hug.
Just minutes earlier, No. 9 Alabama had lost to No. 1 Indiana 38–3 – the Crimson Tide’s largest postseason defeat in program history. Simpson only lasted a little more than two quarters before being sidelined with a rib injury. The offense failed to score during his time at quarterback.
Will this be Simpson’s final assignment with Alabama?
Everything seemed simple in October. Simpson was playing as well as any player in the country, leading Alabama to four consecutive wins over ranked SEC opponents. He appeared to be on track to compete for the Heisman Trophy and the top quarterback spot in the NFL Draft.
Fast forward to January 1, and Simpson hasn’t won the Heisman Trophy, and he’s not expected to be the first quarterback drafted. Fernando Mendoza, the man who finished the Crimson Tide’s season, will likely accomplish both accomplishments.
Now, after a somewhat tumultuous finish from November through the Rose Bowl, Simpson faces a tough decision: return to college for another year or declare for the NFL Draft?
The 23-year-old quarterback said he hasn’t made any plans for next year.
“Absolutely not,” Simpson said in the locker room after the game. “I’m really worried about these last minutes with the seniors and all the people who won’t be here next year.
Simpson will have about two weeks to make a decision. The last date for declaring the draft is January 14.
The biggest reason for declaring? This year’s quarterback class is not considered deep. Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore have been projected as the top two quarterback picks, but after him, Simpson could be next. Many mock drafts suggest a lack of first-round talent beyond those names. Simpson could work his way into the first round, especially at a position where NFL teams frequently overdraft.
However, returning to college football for another year could benefit him. Many NFL scouts prefer multi-year starters with more experience. Simpson has a great season in 2025, but NFL teams would probably like to see him play a full season. A second year as Alabama’s starter could provide that opportunity.
A healthy, experienced Simpson could be the ideal leader for Alabama’s offense in 2026. But that scenario would create a quarterback conundrum.
Behind Simpson are Austin Mack and Keylon Russell. Mack, who played most of the second half after Simpson’s injury, has waited three seasons for his shot. He would probably like to be in a place where he can start over.
Asked after the game if he expected to stay at Alabama, Mack said, “Right now, yes. I’m where my feet are. I just played the Rose Bowl game. I’m still digesting it and figuring it out. I’m excited for my future.”
Russell, meanwhile, just finished his freshman season. The five-star prospect is widely viewed as Alabama’s quarterback of the future. Will he wait another year behind Simpson? Or look elsewhere if Simpson comes back?
Before the Rose Bowl, Russell said he had no thoughts about entering the transfer portal and that he was “100% here” and “came to Alabama to develop.”
“Sometimes you have to be patient,” Russell said Tuesday. “Ty waited four years to get this job, and he’s really like my inspiration. Watching him happen like that, learning a lot of things over the last four years.”
It’s unlikely Alabama keeps all three quarterbacks. Two are likely to depart. The simplest result? Simpson declared for the draft, leaving Mack and Russell to compete – or one transferred while the other started.
If Simpson stays, things get complicated. Alabama could lose Mack, Russell or both. And don’t forget: The Tide signed two new quarterbacks in the 2026 class – Jett Thomalla and Teden Kawa.
The coaching situation will also look different. Quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan left for the Michigan State offensive coordinator job, and assistant Mitch Dahlen took the same role at Oregon State.
How different the quarterback room will be remains to be seen. However, answers are coming soon. Draft decisions will be made by January 14.
The transfer portal, which opened on Friday, will close on January 16.
Perhaps Simpson returned to Alabama. Maybe he doesn’t. But one thing’s for sure – Simpson didn’t like how the 2025 season ended.
“It bothers me,” Simpson said. “Especially knowing I couldn’t finish the game. It felt like I was doing something good on the drive I was hurt on. It definitely changed the momentum. I’m ready to get back to work.”