As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft continues, a heated debate has emerged over who should be the top quarterback selection. While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is widely projected as the No.1 overall pick after his Heisman Trophy-winning and national championship season, some experts see things differently.
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner has stepped into the conversation, elevating Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback, above Mendoza and calling him the best passer in this draft class.
Warner‘s argument goes beyond statistics and accolades. He focuses on the challenges each quarterback faced in college and the type of preparation they received for the NFL. On the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Warner highlighted that Simpson was “forced to play quarterback” in a system that closely mirrors what NFL teams expect.
“I thought Ty Simpson was forced to play more quarterback than any of these guys: drop back, play from in the pocket, move in the pocket and create throws, big second level throws, overs and ins, drive posts and things like that,” said Warner.
Statistically, both quarterbacks boast impressive rsums. Simpson, despite being behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe for his first three seasons at Alabama, had a breakout 2025 season as the team’s starter. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions across 15 games.
Mendoza, by contrast, has accumulated more extensive experience, starting 34 games between the California Golden Bears and the Hoosiers. Across those seasons, he totaled nearly 8,000 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions, including a stellar campaign at Indiana with 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
While Mendoza‘s stats reflect consistency and production, Warner emphasizes the quality of Simpson’s preparation over quantity.
Why Warner favors Simpson
A key point in Warner‘s evaluation is what he calls “fluidity.” He compares Simpson‘s movement and improvisation skills to Patrick Mahomes, highlighting his ability to make accurate throws off-platform and create plays when situations break down.
“I think Ty Simpson was the best in his class at all of those things, the most fluid of all of these quarterbacks in terms of when things aren’t perfect and on schedule and he’s got to throw with his feet moving and sliding and things. I thought he was the best quarterback in his class,” added Warner.
While Mendoza remains the consensus top pick due to his accolades, Warner‘s perspective underscores a growing narrative: raw talent combined with NFL-style preparation can outweigh sheer production.
With voices like Warner‘s weighing in, the Mendoza versus Simpson debate has become one of the most intriguing storylines heading into draft weekend.
