5 Things to Know About Ty Simpson: Alabama QB Selected by Rams in 2026 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising move in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. This decision has generated significant discussion given Simpson’s limited college starting experience and the Rams’ current quarterback situation with Matthew Stafford. Here are five key facts about the newest Ram, based on verified information from official sources and reputable reporting.

1. Simpson Started Only One Season at Alabama

Despite being selected in the first round, Ty Simpson’s college starting record is remarkably thin. According to Rams team officials, Simpson started just one season for the Crimson Tide. During that 2025 campaign, he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions although operating in Ryan Grubb’s spread offense. This limited sample size contributed to him being viewed as one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 draft class.

2. He Thrived Early in 2025 Before Facing Adversity

Simpson’s 2025 season showed a clear trajectory of promise followed by challenge. In the first nine games, he threw 21 touchdowns with only one interception, putting him in early Heisman Trophy conversations as Alabama began the season 8-1. However, as defenses adjusted and increased pressure later in the year, his performance declined. This pattern of strong starts followed by struggles against adjusted schemes became a central point of debate among NFL evaluators regarding his readiness for professional football.

3. The Rams View Him as a Long-Term Investment Behind Stafford

Los Angeles’ selection reflects a clear succession plan rather than an immediate need. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized this point directly after the pick, stating, “Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team.” The Rams selected Simpson using a pick obtained from last year’s trade with Atlanta specifically to develop a future quarterback behind the aging but still productive Matthew Stafford, who was coming off an MVP season and planned to play in 2026 with a contract extension in progress. At 38 years old, Stafford’s eventual retirement created the impetus for planning a transition.

4. Simpson Earned Manning Award Recognition

Despite his limited starting experience, Simpson garnered significant postseason recognition. The Rams’ official announcement noted that he became a finalist for the Manning Award, which honors the nation’s top quarterback including postseason performance. He ranked seventh in the FBS for completions (305) and tenth for passing yards (3,567) during the 2025 season, statistical achievements that highlighted his productivity within Alabama’s offensive system despite the small sample size of starts.

5. He Expressed Enthusiasm About Learning from McVay and Stafford

Upon being drafted, Simpson shared his excitement about the opportunity to develop in Los Angeles. Speaking to NFL Network after the selection, he said, “Learning from (head coach) Sean McVay, and then (quarterback) Matthew (Stafford), who is obviously one of the greatest of all time, I’m looking forward to it.” This statement reflects the Rams’ intended development path: placing Simpson in an ideal learning environment under a respected offensive mind and a veteran Pro Bowl quarterback to accelerate his growth before potentially assuming a starting role in the future.

The Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson represents a calculated bet on his upside and processing ability, balanced against his limited collegiate resume. By placing him in a quarterback-friendly system with veteran guidance, Los Angeles aims to transform what many viewed as a risky pick into the foundation of their post-Stafford era.

The next step in Simpson’s journey will be attending rookie minicamp and organizing team activities with the Rams, where he will begin the process of adapting to the NFL playbook and building relationships with his new teammates. Fans and analysts will closely monitor his progress throughout the offseason as he works to earn his place in Los Angeles’ quarterback hierarchy.

What aspect of Ty Simpson’s transition to the NFL are you most curious about? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for continuing coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft and all things Rams.