Alabama QB Ty Simpson delivered a clutch TD to Ryan Williams vs LSU, proving why he's the favorite for the 2026 NFL Draft top pick.

Can Ty Simpson join Alabama's Bryce Young as a Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick? What to know of the Crimson Tide's first-year starter:

Ty Simpson has flourished in playing the most high profile position at what is arguably, the bluest of the traditional college football blue bloods

Alabama football improved to 8-1 on Saturday night with a win over the LSU Tigers but the lack of a productive rushing attack was a glaring issue in the win for the Tide. Alabama ran for 56 yards as a team against the Tigers.

Alabama football quarterback Ty Simpson didn't beat around the bush. Yes, the Crimson Tide offense struggled mightily in Alabama's 20-9 win. against LSU. And yes, it was unacceptable. "I'm going to be brutally honest. That's not up to our standard," Simpson said. "Everybody knows that. Offense knows that. That's why we have a good defense."

Alabama may have the second best passing offense in the SEC. But LSU, led by defensive backs A.J. Haulcy and Mansoor Delane, have the fifth-best pass defense in the SEC and the No. 31 pass defense nationally, allowing 191.1 yards passing per game. The Tigers have allowed seven passing touchdowns and generated 10 interceptions.

“Your man Diego has all the confidence in the world,” Saban told Pat McAfee. “I talked to Ty Simpson. Ty Simpson said after Alabama beat Vanderbilt, shaking hands with Diego, he says, ‘We’ll see you again.’”