Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss
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Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson revealed he suffered a cracked rib during the Crimson Tide’s 38-3 loss to Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
Simpson said the injury occurred late in the first half when he took a helmet to the ribs while scrambling for a first down. He fumbled on the play with Indiana recovering, further swinging momentum in a game that was already tilting heavily toward the Hoosiers.
“I felt like I had a good thing going on that drive when I got hit,” Simpson said. “The competitor in me wanted the first down. I should’ve been smart and just gotten down.”
Simpson completed 12-of-16 passes for 67 yards before halftime and underwent X-rays during the break. He started the second half but exited after a three-and-out, saying he realized he couldn’t play through the injury.
“I made an executive decision and thought about what gave us the best chance to win,” Simpson said.
Tide backup QB Austin Mack played the remainder of the game, guiding Alabama to its only points on a field goal drive. Mack finished 11-of-16 for 103 yards.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer praised Simpson’s toughness. “There’s no way he let this team down,” DeBoer said.
Before the loss, Simpson was projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 draft, including No. 5 overall to the Arizona Cardinals by CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson.
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