Rams Rookie QB Watch: Ty Simpson might be the one

It seems as if every week the discussion for who is in the QB1 conversation changes. Last week, it was Fernando Mendoza following a strong performance against Oregon. Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, and others have been in the conversation throughout the season as well. That inconsistency at quarterback could work in favor of the Los Angeles Rams who hold two first round picks in 2026. At the same time, it can be hard to warrant spending that much draft capital on a quarterback.

However, after Week 8 of college football action, another quarterback may be beginning to separate himself. That quarterback is Ty Simpson from Alabama. Simpson had a fantastic performance against Tennessee, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. At the same time, a quarterback like Carson Beck took a step back with four interceptions against Louisville. Let’s get into this week’s performances.

Ty Simpson, Alabama

Over the past month, Ty Simpson has been gaining momentum. With that said, he may have entered the QB1 conversation with his performance against Tennessee. Simpson displayed the ability to layer throws over the middle of the field and also showed pin-point accuracy. He keeps his eyes downfield under pressure and does a good job maneuvering in the pocket while looking for an open wide receiver.

An argument can be made that Simpson is the most accurate intermediate passer in this class. This specific throw over the middle in the clip below against Tennessee is insane. At this point, you want to see quarterbacks look comfortable and be able to throw with anticipation. Simpson does that on a near-weekly basis. The Alabama quarterback is definitely in the first round conversation and could make his way into the QB1 conversation.

Player Performance Rating: 9/10

Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

When it comes to these college quarterbacks, it’s important to see development over the course of the season. That’s been the case for Sam Leavitt. He has grown a lot since throwing two interceptions in a tight loss to Mississippi State.

Texas Tech has one of the better defenses in the country. Without much of a run game, Leavitt threw for 319 yards and a touchdown. Trailing 22-19 in the fourth quarter, Leavitt went 5-for-8 for 61 yards and set the Sun Devils up to score the game-winning touchdown. Arizona State has won 11 straight games against Big 12 opponents when Leavitt starts. Leavitt is extremely dynamic with the ability to extend plays with his legs, but can make all of the throws with his arm. He may not be in the QB1 conversation, but if he continues this over the second half of the season, he should be considered for the first round.

Player Performance Rating: 8/10

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza continues to show why he’s probably the leader for QB1 at the moment. The arm talent can simply be effortless. It was only Michigan State, but Mendoza went 24-for-28 for four touchdowns on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how...