Fernando Mendoza is widely regarded as the top quarterback in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. However, not everyone is convinced that he is the best choice for the number one spot. NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner has been closely following the young prospects and has made a bold statement claiming that Ty Simpson, not Mendoza, is the best quarterback in the draft.
Warner, who is revered for his exceptional career as a quarterback, has seen enough film to back up his claim. He believes that Simpson’s unique situation has helped him develop into a better quarterback than Mendoza. In an interview with ESPN, Warner said, “I have watched both Mendoza and Simpson’s games and while Mendoza is undoubtedly a talented player, I believe Simpson is the better quarterback overall.”
So, what is this “forced” situation that Warner is referring to? Well, it all goes back to Simpson’s high school football career. Unlike Mendoza, who had a smooth and successful high school career, Simpson had to face several challenges and obstacles. He was the starting quarterback for his high school team, but due to a lack of talent and resources, the team struggled to perform well. Simpson had to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and constantly face pressure and criticism from fans and media.
However, instead of wilting under pressure, Simpson used it as motivation to improve himself and his game. He worked tirelessly to hone his skills and become a better quarterback. Simpson also took on a leadership role, constantly encouraging and motivating his teammates, despite the setbacks. His determination and never-give-up attitude caught the attention of many, including Warner.
Warner believes that Simpson’s experience in high school has made him mentally tougher and more prepared for the challenges of the NFL. He stated, “Simpson has faced adversity and has come out on top. He knows what it takes to overcome difficult situations, and that will be crucial for him in the highly competitive NFL.”
But it’s not just Simpson’s mental strength that sets him apart from Mendoza. Warner also sees a significant difference in their playing styles. While Mendoza relies heavily on his arm strength and accuracy, Simpson is known for his versatility and ability to make plays with his feet. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can run and throw with equal proficiency. This makes him a more dynamic and unpredictable player on the field, which could be a huge advantage in the NFL.
Of course, this is not to say that Mendoza does not possess these qualities. He is an exceptional quarterback in his own right and has proven himself to be a top prospect. But Warner believes that Simpson’s unique situation and skill set give him the edge over Mendoza.
It’s not just Warner who is singing Simpson’s praises. Many other experts and analysts have also started to recognize his potential and have ranked him as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. And Simpson’s recent performances at the NFL Combine and private workouts have only solidified his position as a top prospect.
But despite the growing hype around Simpson, he remains humble and focused on his goals. In an interview, he said, “I know there are a lot of expectations and pressure on me, but I’m just focused on working hard and improving every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered one of the best quarterbacks in the draft, but I’m not taking anything for granted.”
It’s clear that Simpson’s journey to the top has not been an easy one, but it has made him the player he is today – one who is mentally tough, versatile, and determined to succeed. And with a Hall of Famer like Kurt Warner backing him, Simpson’s future in the NFL certainly looks bright.
In the end, only time will tell if Ty Simpson is indeed the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. But one thing is for sure – he has the talent, drive, and mindset to make a significant impact in the league. And that’s something that cannot be overlooked. As Kurt Warner said, “I may be going out on a limb, but I truly believe that Simpson’s ‘forced’ situation has made him a better quarterback than Mendoza.” And that statement alone speaks volumes about Simpson’s potential and determination to succeed in the NFL.
