Ty Simpson Reportedly Backed by 10+ GMs as 2026 NFL Draft's QB1 Over Fernando Mendoza

In the months leading up to the NFL draft, the general consensus seemed to be that Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was the indisputable top quarterback in the class, but that might not be the case.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that multiple general managers he spoke to agreed that Alabama's Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in the draft class.

"I probably texted 12 to 15 general managers, decision-making coaches in the NFL, the very simple text of 'Ty Simpson is QB1 in this class, or the best quarterback in this class,' and two people got back to me with a disagreement," Orlovsky said (1:10 mark).

Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to a national championship in 2025, threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, adding 276 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He is considered to be the No. 3 overall player and the top quarterback in the class by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

Simpson, who started just one season of college football, threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions last year. He's the No. 26 overall player and the No. 2 quarterback on Bleacher Report's big board.

While Simpson had a good year in 2025, it would be somewhat surprising to see him selected first overall after all the hype Mendoza has received. Still, anything could happen between now and next month's draft.