Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is preparing for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Despite heavy interest from teams hoping he would stay in college, he has decided to remain firm in his decision to turn pro.
During the 2025 college football season, Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He was a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy at one point this season, although he fell out of the running late in the year.
Plenty of potential destinations have been mentioned as fits for Simpson. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand out as one of the top potential options.
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers just wrapped up his first season with the Steelers. He was playing on a one-year deal, which means that he is now a free agent. Rodgers could choose to retire or sign elsewhere, or he could return for another year in Pittsburgh.
With that being said, a new prediction has been made that would see Simpson drafted by the Steelers to become the heir apparent and potential replacement for Rodgers.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson Predicted to Land With Pittsburgh Steelers
Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick has made the prediction of Simpson being selected by Pittsburgh with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Simpson is the draft’s clear No. 2 quarterback, and Moore’s decision to stay in school may help the Alabama passer go earlier than most expect. Nonetheless, he did enough during the first half of the season to warrant a first-round selection, though his second half knocked him out of contention for QB1,” Flick wrote.
“The Steelers still must hire Mike Tomlin’s replacement and make a final decision on Aaron Rodgers, but if Simpson is available, he’s a logical bet to land in Pittsburgh.”
Whether Rodgers returns for another season or not, the Steelers would be a perfect landing spot for the Alabama star. If he chooses to leave, Simpson would have a chance to win the starting job in year one. Should he stay, he would learn behind one of the best to ever play the quarterback position.
On the surface, this looks like a match made in heaven for both Pittsburgh and Simpson.
Simpson Would Have Immediate Long-Term Competition
While Rodgers is the big name in town, the Steelers did draft former Ohio State star quarterback Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard and Simpson would immediately start competing with each other.
Howard has turned a lot of heads in Pittsburgh as well. The Steelers are high on his potential.
Simpson seems to have a much higher ceiling, but nothing would be guaranteed. That would create a great situation for both young quarterbacks to get pushed to be their best.
It will be interesting to see what Simpson’s future has in store for him. Pittsburgh is a team to watch closely as the 2026 NFL Draft continues to draw closer.
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