A Season of Promise and Disappointment

The second year of Kalen DeBoer’s tenure in Tuscaloosa was marked by both progress and heartbreak. After a 9-4 season that saw Alabama miss the College Football Playoff, DeBoer guided the Crimson Tide to an improved 11-4 record and a first-round win in the CFP. However, the team’s journey came to an abrupt end with a devastating 38-3 loss to No. 1 Indiana—the worst bowl loss in school history.

This outcome has left many questioning DeBoer’s future with the program. With the 2026 season approaching, he is under increasing pressure, especially if star quarterback Ty Simpson decides to leave the team. Simpson, who was expected to enter the 2026 NFL draft, may instead choose to return to college but explore the transfer portal, potentially joining one of Alabama’s top SEC rivals.

Ty Simpson’s Future Uncertain

College football insider Tom Loy of 247Sports recently suggested that if Simpson receives a first-round grade from NFL scouts, he will likely head to the pros. However, if not, teams like Tennessee and Oregon could become strong contenders for his services.

ESPN draft expert Matt Miller has identified only 11 players with true first-round grades in the 2026 class, and Simpson is not among them. This has led to speculation about his future, as his agent, Pete Webb, stated that no decisions have been made yet.

“We are still evaluating everything with his family and close advisors,” Webb said, emphasizing that Simpson is still considering his options.

Potential Move to the Transfer Portal

Loy is not the only one to suggest that Simpson might take the portal route. Dane Brugler of The Athletic raised similar concerns during an episode of “The Athletic College Football Show.” He speculated that this could be a “Carson Beck-like situation,” where both sides decide it’s time to move on.

Alabama has five-star quarterback Keelon Russell ready to step in, and if Simpson returns, there could be a competition between him and Russell. Brugler also questioned whether Simpson might declare for the draft while keeping his options open, especially if another team offers a lucrative deal.

Simpson was once considered a top prospect, even in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. However, recent performances by Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore have placed them ahead of him in the rankings.

The Impact on Alabama

The uncertainty surrounding Simpson’s future adds to the pressure on DeBoer as he prepares for the 2026 season. His ability to navigate this situation will be crucial for the program’s direction. If Simpson does leave, it could signal a significant shift in Alabama’s offensive strategy.

Meanwhile, other developments in the college football landscape continue to unfold. From transfer portal moves to NFL draft speculation, the sport remains in constant flux. As teams and players make their decisions, the excitement around the upcoming season continues to build.