Joel Klatt Makes Bold Heisman Statement About Alabama QB Ty Simpson

Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt didn’t hold back when discussing Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s breakout season. 

During his appearance on The Next Round, Klatt said Simpson deserves far more national attention than he has been getting even implying the Heisman race might already be over.

“If Ty Simpson’s name was Ty Manning, we would cancel the end of the season Heisman Trophy ceremony and just do it now,” Klatt said, referencing Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s struggles compared to Simpson’s rise. 

Klatt praised Simpson’s poise, accuracy, and maturity as the face of Alabama’s new-look offense under head coach Kalen DeBoer. 

Simpson threw for 340 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s 30-14 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, continuing his hot streak as the Crimson Tide continue to climb back into playoff contention. 

Sports Illustrated noted Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s high praise as well: 

“He’s growing. He’s growing into his role, and it was good to hear him take ownership right after the game, too, because there [were] certainly some things we left out there on the field,” offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said on Monday.

Ty Simpson’s Collegiate Journey

Ty Simpson has quickly transformed from an unproven starter into one of college football’s most complete quarterbacks.

Simpson has had an unconventional college football career, joining Alabama as a five-star recruit in 2022 and patiently waiting three seasons as a backup before earning the starting job for the 2025 season. 

You don’t see that type of patience that often in this day and age of college football. He waited his turn behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe for three seasons and is now making the most of his opportunity. 

Through five games, Simpson has totaled 1,478 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, with just one interception. He’s also thrown for 275 or more yards in each of Alabama’s last three games. 

His growth has impressed the Alabama coaching staff, praising his humility and leadership.

“He’s a humble guy who understands where he needs to improve,” Ryan Grubb said. 

Head coach Kalen DeBoer echoed that sentiment, saying Simpson has already proven himself as a high-level SEC quarterback.

“He’s past the point where he’s trying to prove he can do it,” DeBoer said. “Now it’s about leading this team every week.”

Heisman Race and NFL Future

Joel Klatt has not been the only one to put Ty Simpson’s name into the national Heisman conversation.

According to sportsbooks, Simpson now sits as one of the Heisman favorites. He is tied with Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for the third-best odds. He trails only Miami’s Carson Beck and Oregon’s Dante Moore. 

Ty Simpson’s Heisman surge has also launched him into NFL draft conversations. 

Alabama Crimson Tide football columnist John Mitchell put it best: 

“He’s settled in and has proven he’s not only the best quarterback for Alabama right now, but he’s also one of the best in the entire country,” Mitchell wrote. “Others are beginning to take notice, too, and he’s going to fly up NFL Draft boards.” 

At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Simpson doesn’t overwhelm physically, but his timing, accuracy, and leadership make him stand out in a loaded quarterback class. 

If he keeps stacking performances like he has been, he’ll force his way into the early rounds of next spring’s NFL Draft conversation.

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