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First-Round QB Loves Steelers HC Mike McCarthy
Ty Simpson praised his meeting with the Steelers and head coach Mike McCarthy, but questions remain about his NFL readiness.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, had a very positive meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike McCarthy at the NFL Combine. Simpson said he "loves" McCarthy and the Steelers organization after their in-depth discussion about football strategy and concepts. However, Simpson's inconsistent play down the stretch of the 2025 college football season raises questions about whether he is truly ready to be an NFL starting quarterback.
Why it matters
The Steelers are in the market for a long-term answer at quarterback, with veteran Aaron Rodgers expected to return for one more season. Simpson's glowing review of the Steelers and McCarthy could make him an intriguing target, but the team will have to weigh his potential upside against the risk of drafting a QB who struggled mightily at times in his final college season.
The details
Simpson confirmed he had a formal meeting with the Steelers at the NFL Combine, where he and McCarthy engaged in an in-depth discussion about football strategy and concepts. Simpson said the meeting "felt like five minutes" because he and McCarthy "were just going back and forth" and "had so much fun." However, Simpson's 2025 season at Alabama was inconsistent, as he had moments of excellence but also struggled mightily down the stretch, including being pulled from the Crimson Tide's playoff loss to Indiana.
- Simpson finished the 2025 season with a 64.5% completion rate, 28 touchdowns, and 3,567 passing yards.
- Alabama lost to Indiana 38-3 in the College Football Playoff, with Simpson being pulled from the game.
The players
Ty Simpson
A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mike McCarthy
The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has a history of working with star quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott.
Aaron Rodgers
The veteran quarterback who is expected to return to the Steelers for the 2026 NFL season.
What they’re saying
“We were just going back and forth and by the time that we were finished, it felt like five minutes just because of how much fun we had. So, I love Coach McCarthy, I love the Steelers, I love those guys and it was super exciting to get to know them.”
— Ty Simpson (SI.com)
“Coach McCarthy is the guy, man. Going back and forth talking about pass concepts, talking about protections, talking about situations. It was cool to, you know, see all of the quarterbacks he's worked with, with Dak (Prescott) and Aaron Rodgers.”
— Ty Simpson (SI.com)
What’s next
The Steelers will continue to evaluate Simpson and other quarterback prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, weighing his potential upside against the risk of his inconsistent college performance.
The takeaway
Simpson's glowing review of his meeting with the Steelers and head coach Mike McCarthy could make him an intriguing target, but the team will have to carefully assess whether he is truly ready to be an NFL starting quarterback after his up-and-down 2025 college season.
