Alabama QB Ty Simpson Fires Back at Doubters Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The potential Steelers first-round target says it's 'preposterous' how people view him without seeing him in person.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic motion and athleticism of a football quarterback, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in deep crimson, navy blue, and gold colors conceptually representing the player's skills.Ty Simpson's unorthodox throwing motion and elusive athleticism are deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, hinting at the Alabama QB's potential to silence his critics on the NFL stage.Atlanta Today

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a possible first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft, has fired back at doubters who have questioned his arm strength and athleticism. Simpson, a second-team All-SEC honoree last season, says it's 'preposterous' how people view him without seeing him throw in person.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in the market for a quarterback of the future, and Simpson is widely projected as a potential first-round target. His ability to silence critics and prove his skills could go a long way in determining if he's the right fit for Pittsburgh.

The details

Simpson racked up 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his lone season as Alabama's starting quarterback in 2025. He wasn't at full health during the back half of the campaign, but he's confident he can show off his arm strength and athleticism to scouts. Simpson believes people are doubting him without seeing him throw in person, and he's eager to change those perceptions.

  • Simpson was a second-team All-SEC honoree in the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for later this month.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback from the University of Alabama who is a potential first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jalen Milroe

The quarterback Simpson succeeded as the starter at Alabama.

Chase Daniel

A former NFL quarterback who interviewed Simpson.

Lance Zierlein

An NFL.com draft analyst who has evaluated Simpson's arm strength as 'average.'

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What they’re saying

“It's preposterous how people view me when they haven't seen me in person and seen what I could do.”

— Ty Simpson, Alabama Quarterback

“Come watch me throw. Everybody will refrain from that from now on. It's crazy. I wanted to show arm strength, and then, two, show everybody that I could go under center — whether it's seven-step, five-step, three-step, three-plant, five-plant — just something to where I could do everything.”

— Ty Simpson, Alabama Quarterback

“Everybody (says) I'm not the most athletic guy. And I just laugh that off, too.”

— Ty Simpson, Alabama Quarterback

What’s next

Simpson is expected to showcase his skills for NFL scouts and teams in the coming weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Steelers could potentially select him in the first round.

The takeaway

Ty Simpson is determined to prove the doubters wrong and show NFL teams that he has the arm strength, athleticism, and versatility to be a first-round pick. His confidence and desire to silence his critics could make him an intriguing option for the Steelers as they look to find their quarterback of the future.