There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson heading into their college football playoff matchup against Oklahoma on Friday night. In November, he looked like one of the best QBs in college football, and there was growing buzz he could be selected in Round 1 of April’s NFL Draft.
However, after three underwhelming performances to end the season, including in their SEC Championship loss to Georgia, new rumors have emerged that he could enter the transfer portal because he knows if he doesn’t play well, he will be replaced by big-time recruit Keelon Russell in 2026.
If Simpson did hit the portal and became one of the most coveted in the QB market, we look at five major schools that could target him, including fellow playoff team Texas Tech.
LSU Tigers
LSU has been one of the biggest stories in college football over the last couple of weeks after it was able to lure away Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin despite his team having a serious chance at making a deep run in the college football playoffs. With veteran starter Garrett Nussmeier headed to the NFL, they need a new QB. Kiffin making his first big move in the portal by bringing the Alabama signal caller to Baton Rouge would not be a surprise.
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, with Swinney’s seat as hot as it’s ever been. Going big and bringing in Simpson to save his job and get back to the playoffs in 2026 is a real possibility starting Jan. 2.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Behren Morton’s notable five-year run at Texas Tech will come to an end once the Red Raiders end their season. The school is expected to be aggressive in the portal to find its replacement. It would not be surprising if Joey McGuire’s program emerges as a favorite to land Simpson once the portal opens.
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 potentially 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 is a favorite to win the Heisman. Simpson surely noticed, and if he also wants to increase his draft stock, going to Bloomington makes a lot of sense.
Tennessee
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. 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 should not be ruled out at all.
