A lot of pressure comes with being the starting quarterback for Alabama. However, Ty Simpson handled it expertly for much of the season. He was so good, his name emerged in the Heisman Trophy discussion and as a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
However, over the final weeks of the season, he struggled, including just 67 passing yards in their playoff loss to Indiana. There were already rumors that Simpson was not a lock to keep his starting spot in 2026 and might instead enter the draft or the transfer portal. With the portal now open, various reports have only intensifed the speculation about his exit from Tuscaloosa.
If Simpson did hit the portal to become one of the most coveted players in the QB market, we look at five major programs that could target him, including fellow playoff team Oregon.
- Ty Simpson stats: 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs, 64.5 completion %, 145.2 passer rating
Clemson Tigers
This season was very disappointing for Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney. Despite being a popular dark horse pick to be in the playoffs, they finished with a very underwhelming 7-5 record. They will have an opening at QB heading into the offseason. With Swinney’s seat as hot as it’s ever been. Going big and bringing in a player like Simpson to save his job and get back to the playoffs in 2026 is a real possibility this offseason.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon is expected to be looking for a new starter this offseason, with the expectation that Dante Moore will enter the NFL Draft to potentially be the No. 1 pick overall. They are losing offensive coordinator Will Stein to Kentucky. However, head coach Dan Lanning is always trying to lure talented QBs to Eugene. Whether or not they win a championship this month, reloading with a QB that has Heisman potential would be a logical move by the Ducks.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers signal-caller Fernando Mendoza still has another year of eligibility, but is likely to skip it to enter the NFL Draft and possibly be the No. 1 overall pick. A year ago, that wasn’t at all an option. However, after transferring to Indy, head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff turned him into an elite prospect who won the Heisman.
Simpson surely noticed that, and if he also wants to increase his draft stock for the 2027 event, going to Bloomington makes a lot of sense.
Tennessee Volunteers
Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers also had an underwhelming season after a trip to the college football playoffs last season. App State transfer Joey Aguilar played well in his lone season for the program despite a benign tumor in his throwing arm bothering him all season.
However, the senior has exhausted his eligibility. While being the long-term starter for the Crimson Tide was the ultimate goal, Simpson returning home to Tennessee to play for the Vols would make them a favorite to land the QB.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami spent big money this time last year to bring in former Georgia star Carson Beck. That decision has seemingly paid off with the Hurricanes just a win away from reaching the national championship game later this month. Beck is done after this year, so why not go out and spend big again for a QB to attempt a repeat?
Miami certainly has the resources and motivation to be a serious contender for Ty Simpson if he hits the transfer portal.
