Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has identified Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, according to CBS Sports reporting.

Orlovsky's assessment positions Simpson ahead of other highly regarded quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft class. The evaluation suggests that some NFL teams may share this perspective on Simpson's potential as a professional quarterback.

Simpson, who plays for the University of Alabama, has emerged as a notable prospect despite the 2026 draft being nearly two years away. Early quarterback evaluations often carry significant weight in draft discussions, as teams begin scouting potential franchise players well in advance.

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class is expected to feature several prominent college players, making Orlovsky's endorsement of Simpson particularly noteworthy. Draft analysts typically begin evaluating underclassmen early in their college careers to project their professional potential.

Simpson's recognition as a top prospect comes as college football programs continue to develop quarterbacks for potential NFL careers. Alabama has historically produced successful NFL quarterbacks, adding context to Simpson's emergence as a highly regarded prospect.