ESPN analyst tells why Ty Simpson is the ‘best’ NFL quarterback prospect

ESPN college football analyst, Jordan Rodgers believes Ty Simpson is currently the ‘best’ NFL quarterback prospect.

Simpson has performed like one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season en route to leading the Tide to five straight wins since losing to Florida State to open the season. The former five-star has thrown for 1,686 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season, while only throwing one interception. 14 of those touchdowns have come in the last five games.

Jordan was asked who he feels is the best NFL quarterback prospect in college football on ESPN’s Get Up on Tuesday.

“It’s Ty Simpson,” Rodgers said.  “I think since week one, that loss against Florida State, he has been lights out, 14 touchdowns, just one interception. But it is the type of throws that he’s making. I don’t think anybody in college football anticipates as well as he does and layers the football, which means throws it up and over linebackers into the second level with accuracy, in tight windows, also incredible amount of athleticism that I don’t think he gets enough credit for to extend plays on the outside. I think he’s playing at such a high level right now.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Simpson ranked as the No. 16 NFL prospect on his initial 2026 NFL Draft Big Board rankings. He is the third quarterback in the rankings, behind Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza.

Simpson will look to continue to play at this level with multiple talented defenses left on the Tide’s 2025 schedule.