Alabama
Alabama QB Ty Simpson says faith in Jesus Christ fuels confidence heading into 2026 NFL Draft
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Confidence exudes from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson when he’s on the field, and that carried over to the pre-NFL Draft process.
Simpson has steadfastly supported himself when asked if he can be a starting quarterback in this league, and he feels he has the first-round talent to do so.
Before he learns where he goes in the NFL Draft, whether it’s Thursday night in the first round or beyond, Simpson spoke with Fox News Digital about where his patented confidence comes from.
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Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“I think it goes with my faith,” he said, while discussing his partnership with Toyota ahead of the draft. “My faith is very important to me. I fully believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, and knowing that football is just a minor stepping stone in why I’m on this earth. I feel like I’m on this earth for a bigger reason, to get people together to spread the word. The fact that I can do that on a huge stage, the Lord has blessed me in so many ways, that just gives me confidence.
“I get to play a kid’s game for fun, but I also know that everybody’s watching every move that I make. Understanding that I can impact so many people’s lives by spreading the good news.”
Simpson, who spent all four of his college seasons at Alabama, embodies the “Faith, Family, Football” motto, as he also talked about his hometown of Martin, Tennessee.
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No matter where his NFL journey may take him, he will always be repping the place that made him who he is.
“I think that being able to impact my community is something I really look forward to because I know how much my community means to me,” he said when asked about charitable work off the field in the city he ends up in. “Martin, Tennessee is a special place. It’s where I grew up. The 713-area code, we take pride in it. We always say in our household, ‘Martin made.’ So, it’s something where I look forward to, wherever I end up, to be able to give back to my community.”
Simpson showcased his desire to give back Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, joining fellow NFL Draft prospect wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and members of the U.S. Women’s National Flag Football team at Toyota’s NFL Draft Flag Football Training Camp for Pittsburgh-area high school girls. He was wearing the coach’s hat, helping coordinate drills and share some of his quarterback wisdom before preparing for the draft on Thursday night.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the football against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“My sister was a basketball player and softball player growing up, so it’s really exciting and awesome to see Toyota put a spotlight on girls in sports,” Simpson added.
Toyota also covered NFL FLAG fall registration kit fees for current players in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League coed youth and high school girls leagues as part of this activation before the live draft in the city.
Simpson waited until his fourth season to finally take the reins of the Alabama offense, and he made the best of the situation. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions across 15 games for the Crimson Tide. But the 6-foot-2, 211-pound quarterback, who has gotten comparisons to Mac Jones, a fellow Alabama alum, is all over the place in terms of mock drafts.
In short, not even Simpson has an idea where he might end up when the draft begins. But no matter where he goes, Simpson knows he can make an impact.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (CFP/Getty Images)
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And it starts with his faith.
“The first round is great, [but] any time you get drafted is great. There’s so many different players that are great at my position that are from each different round of the NFL. So, I’m in the mindset of wherever I go, whenever that will be, I’m gonna put my best foot forward. Trust the process and be the best player I can be.”
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Alabama
CAMPAIGN 2026: Voters Guide for Alabama Primaries – WAKA 8
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Updated:
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – The Alabama Primaries are Tuesday, May 19. Here is everything you need to know before you head to the polls.
When Are Polls Open?
Polls are open 7AM-7PM statewide
Remember, this is a primary. You will have to request either a Democratic Party or a Republican Party ballot. So you’ll have to decide whether you want to vote in Democratic Primary races or Republican Primary races. You can’t vote in both.
If no candidate gets 50%+1 in a particular race, the top two finishers would face each other in a runoff on June 16. Voters must vote in the same party’s runoff as in the primary.
Which Races Are on My Ballot?
Here’s a list of sample ballots for Democratic and Republican Party Primaries in all 67 Alabama counties.
While you will find primaries for U.S. House seats in Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 — which cover nearly all of the Action 8 viewing area — these results won’t count. A special election for these districts will be held on August 11. This is due to the recent redistricting of those areas, which means some voters are now in different districts.
Am I Registered? Where Is My Polling Place?
Check here for voter information, including checking your registration and polling location.
What Type of Voter ID Do I Need?
Read the rules concerning Alabama’s photo voter ID law.
Stay with Action 8 News for the latest results, analysis from Political Analyst Steve Flowers and reaction. Watch Campaign 2026: The Alabama Vote, starting at 7 o’clock Tuesday night.
Alabama
Supreme Court ruling throws Alabama politics into turmoil
This week on “The Voice of Alabama Politics,” Alabama once again finds itself at the center of one of the nation’s biggest constitutional battles.
Bill Britt, Susan Britt and Josh Moon break down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reopen Alabama’s redistricting fight, the growing uncertainty surrounding the state’s election maps and the larger national conflict over voting rights, race and political power.
The show also examines controversy surrounding Republican lieutenant governor candidate Wes Allen and President Donald Trump reopening his political split with former Congressman Mo Brooks.
What emerges is a portrait of Alabama once again serving as the testing ground for some of America’s biggest political and constitutional fights.
Alabama
Avery Luedke Transferring To Alabama After One Season With Tennessee
Avery Luedke will join the Alabama women for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Luedke just spent her freshman season with fellow-SEC program Tennessee.
“I’m so excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Alabama!
I’d like to give a huge thank you to the Tennessee coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be a Lady Vol and to all of my friends and family for supporting me throughout this process. I’m so thankful for my time at Tennessee and I will always be proud to be a LVFL.
I’m grateful for the journey that led me here, and so excited for this next chapter! Roll Tide!!”
Luedke is originally from Illinois and arrived in Knoxville last fall. She swam a season best 4:49.31 in the 500 free during the team’s midseason invite. Her season best in the 1650 free of a 16:33.91 came at Winter Juniors in December. She did not swim at the 2026 SEC Championships and instead finished her season at Tennessee’s Last Chance meet.
Her lifetime bests still stand from high school as she swam a 4:48.42 500 free in November 2024 during her high school season and a 16:30.28 1650 free in March 2025 at NCSAs.
Luedke’s Best Times:
| High School | At Tennessee | |
| 500 free | 4:48.42 | 4:49.31 |
| 1650 free | 16:30.28 | 16:33.91 |
The Alabama women finished 4th out of 13 teams at the 2026 SEC Championships, two spots behind Tennessee’s 2nd place finish. Alabama was led by Emily Jones who tallied 80 individual points including a 2nd place finish in the 100 back with a 50.59.
Based on her best times from high school, Luedke would have been 17th in the 1650 free and 24th in the 500 free. Alabama scored 33 points in the 1650 free and 13 in the 500 free at 2026 SECs. Her 1650 free from Winter Juniors this past season would have been 19th.
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