The legend of Ty Simpson continues to grow in Tuscaloosa — and now, one prominent college football analyst has made a comparison that’s turning heads across the nation. Once viewed as a questionable starter for Alabama, Simpson has rapidly transformed into one of the most electric quarterbacks in college football — and possibly a future No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick.
Through six weeks, Simpson’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Against Missouri last weekend, the redshirt junior delivered yet another poised performance, completing 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. What’s more telling is that Simpson left the field frustrated — not by mistakes, but by missed opportunities. That relentless self-criticism is part of what’s fueling his surge toward the top of the Heisman Trophy conversation.
But it was ESPN and college football analyst Tom Luginbill who sent shockwaves through the football world on Monday when he joined The Next Round and compared Simpson to none other than Andrew Luck, the former Stanford star and No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
“He reminds me of Andrew Luck at Stanford,” Luginbill said. “The ball-handling, the footwork, the deceptive athleticism, the accuracy — it’s all there. His anticipation, timing, and decisiveness make him so hard to rush. That’s who he looks like. That’s who he reminds me of. If he keeps playing at this level, look out — he’s a difference-maker.”
That’s elite company for Simpson, who’s only just beginning to show the full scope of his potential. Andrew Luck was widely regarded as one of the most complete quarterback prospects of the modern era, a player whose intelligence and poise set the gold standard for collegiate passers.
While Simpson may still be short on experience compared to Luck — who had 38 collegiate starts — his development under Nick Saban’s system is starting to mirror the same polish and command Luck displayed at Stanford.
This weekend’s clash against Tennessee could be another defining moment. The Vols boast the SEC’s top-scoring offense, and Alabama’s recent red-zone inconsistencies could prove costly. Still, with Simpson under center, the Crimson Tide have every reason to believe.
If Simpson delivers another signature performance and Alabama continues its march toward the College Football Playoff, the comparisons to Andrew Luck might not seem bold for long — they might start to feel prophetic.
