Ty Simpson Faces NFL Decision After Rose Bowl Loss and Rib Injury

Ty Simpson enters the offseason with major decisions to make following Alabama’s 38-3 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The Crimson Tide quarterback, a Second-Team All-SEC selection, now faces the difficult choice of whether to declare for the NFL Draft or return for another season in Tuscaloosa.

Simpson’s decision-making will be complicated by the fractured rib he suffered during the game, confirmed via X-rays at halftime. The redshirt junior’s injury came after a nine-yard scramble late in the second quarter when Indiana’s All-American defensive back D’Angelo Ponds delivered a hard hit, forcing a fumble that led to a touchdown and a 17-0 Hoosiers lead at halftime.

The Rose Bowl defeat marked a painful end to a breakout season. Simpson and Alabama’s offensive line struggled against Indiana’s relentless defense, limiting the quarterback’s opportunities and efficiency throughout the game.

Even healthy, Simpson may have found it difficult to overcome the Hoosiers’ dominance. The combination of injury, pressure from a top-tier defense, and a lack of offensive rhythm left the 6-foot-2 quarterback with limited statistics and a sobering final impression for scouts and fans alike.

1. Injury and Game Impact

Simpson’s fractured rib is the most immediate concern for Alabama and for his own NFL evaluation. After leaving the game following the fumble, he completed only 12-of-16 passes for 67 yards and added 17 yards on three carries. The fumble forced by Ponds was a pivotal moment. Indiana capitalized on the turnover with a one-yard touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr., expanding the lead and setting the tone for a dominant Hoosiers performance. Simpson’s injury curtailed any chance of mounting a comeback in the second half. Alabama’s offensive struggles were compounded by the relentless Indiana pass rush. Simpson faced constant pressure, and the line’s inability to protect him limited his ability to make plays in both the passing and running games. This scenario underscores how injuries and in-game adversity can influence both team results and a player’s professional outlook. For Simpson, the Rose Bowl is likely to remain a defining memory of his 2025 campaign.

2. Season Evaluation

Despite the tough finale, Simpson’s 2025 season remains impressive. He finished with 3,567 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 64 percent of his passes across 15 starts. His breakout performances earlier in the year showcased his arm strength, field vision, and leadership. However, his final stretch of games, culminating in the Rose Bowl, highlighted areas of inconsistency. Scout evaluations may now weigh the decline in efficiency and the impact of his injury when projecting his potential at the next level. Simpson must now weigh his options for 2026. Declaring for the NFL Draft could offer a chance to begin his professional career, but returning to Alabama could provide an opportunity to recover, improve his stock, and contend for another national championship. Regardless of the path he chooses, the redshirt junior’s leadership and statistical output cement his legacy at Alabama, while the Rose Bowl loss serves as a reminder of both the highs and challenges of his college career.

3. Looking Ahead

Alabama will need to plan for the offseason with Simpson’s uncertain status in mind. Offensive schemes, quarterback development, and roster adjustments will all hinge on his decision. For Simpson, rehabilitation and careful consideration of draft evaluations are critical. Medical status, combined with NFL projections, will likely inform whether he enters the draft or returns for a final collegiate season. The Rose Bowl loss may sting, but Simpson’s season-long achievements and overall performance keep him in the conversation as one of college football’s premier quarterbacks. How he navigates recovery and decision-making will shape both his future and Alabama’s 2026 campaign. His performance under pressure and leadership throughout the year, even in defeat, provides a strong foundation for whatever path he chooses next.