Alabama’s Ty Simpson has officially clinched the coveted AP Midseason All-America first-team quarterback spot, narrowly edging out Indiana’s stellar Fernando Mendoza. This honor solidifies Simpson’s incredible rebound from a rocky start and ignites serious Heisman Trophy discussions, while Mendoza’s leadership has been instrumental in Indiana’s historic unbeaten run to a No. 3 national ranking.
The college football world is buzzing as the Associated Press released its Midseason All-America team this Wednesday, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson taking the first-team quarterback honors. Simpson, a fourth-year player, narrowly beat out Indiana’s equally impressive Fernando Mendoza for the top spot, signaling a shift in the landscape of elite collegiate signal-callers.
The selection highlights an extraordinary turnaround for Simpson and underscores the surprising rise of Mendoza and his unbeaten Hoosiers. While individual accolades are significant, the team representation also paints a picture of conference strength, with the Big Ten landing nine players on the first team and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) securing seven.
Simpson’s Journey: From Week 1 Struggles to Heisman Contender
For Crimson Tide fans, Ty Simpson’s recognition is a testament to resilience and rapid improvement. After a challenging season-opening loss at Florida State, which Alabama fans still debate heavily, Simpson has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the Crimson Tide’s subsequent five-game winning streak, he has completed an astounding 76% of his passes, averaging 285 yards per game.
His stat line is equally impressive: 14 touchdowns against just one interception. Pro Football Focus, a leading analytics site, has awarded him the fourth-highest grade among passers with over 200 attempts, a clear indicator of his elite performance. This level of play has not only solidified Alabama’s position as a national title contender but has also propelled Simpson into serious Heisman Trophy conversations.
His recent heroics, particularly a clutch late touchdown drive in Alabama’s 27-24 victory at previously undefeated Missouri, showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure. In that game, Simpson executed two massive fourth-down throws, including a 29-yard dime to Lotz Eir Brooks and a game-winning touchdown pass to Daniel Hill from the 2-yard line. Such moments resonate deeply within the fan community, cementing his status as a leader and a potential legend.
Mendoza’s Unbeaten Indiana and the Historic Rise
While Simpson earned the first-team nod, Fernando Mendoza’s season for Indiana has been equally, if not more, surprising and impactful. Mendoza received just one less vote than Simpson, reflecting the incredibly tight competition at the quarterback position. He has been the undeniable catalyst for the Hoosiers’ unbeaten start, leading them to a program-high No. 3 ranking, as reported by the Associated Press. His stat sheet is stellar, boasting 17 touchdowns against only two interceptions, a model of efficiency and playmaking.
Indiana’s climb to third in the nation is historic for the program, and Mendoza’s calm demeanor and consistent production have been central to their success. For many fans, his performance represents one of the most compelling narratives of the college football season, proving that unexpected contenders can emerge with the right leadership under center.
The AP Midseason All-America First Team: A Look at the Elite
Beyond the quarterback debate, the AP Midseason All-America team showcases the top talent across the nation. Ohio State and Texas A&M led all teams with three players each on the first unit, demonstrating their roster depth. A total of 16 schools are represented on the first team, reflecting a wide distribution of talent.
First Team — Offense
- Quarterback: Ty Simpson, fourth year, Alabama
- Running Backs: Ahmad Hardy, second year, Missouri; Justice Haynes, third year, Michigan
- Tackles: Francis Mauigoa, third year, Miami; x-Kadyn Proctor, third year, Alabama
- Guards: x-Ar’maj Reed-Adams, sixth year, Texas A&M; x-Olaivavega Ioane, fourth year, Penn State
- Center: Logan Jones, sixth year, Iowa
- Tight End: Michael Trigg, fifth year, Baylor
- Wide Receivers: Mario Craver, second year, Texas A&M; Makai Lemon, third year, Southern California; x-Jeremiah Smith, second year, Ohio State
- All-Purpose Player: Jonah Coleman, fourth year, Washington
- Kicker: Kansei Matsuzawa, fifth year, Hawaii
First Team — Defense
- Edge Rushers: Rueben Bain Jr., third year, Miami; Cashius Howell, fifth year, Texas A&M
- Interior Linemen: x-Peter Woods, third year, Clemson; Landon Robinson, fourth year, Navy
- Linebackers: David Bailey, fourth year, Texas Tech; Jacob Rodriguez, fifth year, Texas Tech; Arvell Reese, third year, Ohio State
- Cornerbacks: x-Leonard Moore, second year, Notre Dame; Mansoor Delane, fourth year, LSU
- Safeties: x-Caleb Downs, third year, Ohio State; Bishop Fitzgerald, fifth year, Southern California
- Defensive Back: Chris Johnson, fourth year, San Diego State
- Punter: Cole Maynard, fifth year, Western Kentucky
Seven players who earned preseason first-team honors also made the midseason first team, indicating a strong level of consistent performance, while another seven preseason first-team picks found themselves on the second team, highlighting the competitive nature of college football and the continuous evaluation of talent by the panel of media members who vote in the AP Top 25 college football poll.
Second Team — Building Future Stars
The second team also features a wealth of talent, with many players on the cusp of first-team recognition. Indiana fans will be proud to see Fernando Mendoza leading the second-team offense, alongside other notable talents.
Second Team — Offense
- Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, fourth year, Indiana
- Running Backs: x-Jeremiyah Love, third year, Notre Dame; Hollywood Smothers, third year, North Carolina State
- Tackles: x-Spencer Fano, third year, Utah; Brian Parker II, fourth year, Duke
- Guards: Emmanuel Pregnon, sixth year, Oregon; Evan Tengesdahl, third year, Cincinnati
- Center: x-Jake Slaughter, fifth year, Florida
- Tight End: x-Eli Stowers, fifth year, Vanderbilt
- Wide Receivers: x-Jordyn Tyson, fourth year, Arizona State; Chris Brazzell II, fourth year, Tennessee; Danny Scudero, third year, San Jose State
- All-Purpose Player: Hank Beatty, fourth year, Illinois
- Kicker: Aidan Birr, fourth year, Georgia Tech
Second Team — Defense
- Edge Rushers: Caden Curry, fourth year, Ohio State; John Henry Daley, third year, Utah
- Interior Linemen: Kayden McDonald, third year, Ohio State; David Stone, second year, Oklahoma
- Linebackers: Owen Long, second year, Colorado State; CJ Allen, third year, Georgia; x-Anthony Hill Jr., third year, Texas
- Cornerbacks: Elijah Green, second year, Tulsa; Louis Moore, sixth year, Indiana
- Safeties: x-Michael Taaffe, fifth year, Texas; Jamel Johnson, third year, TCU
- Defensive Back: Aamaris Brown, sixth year, UNLV
- Punter: Ryan Eckley, fourth year, Michigan State
(x-denotes AP preseason All-America first-team pick)
What’s Next for Simpson, Mendoza, and Their Teams?
For Ty Simpson and Alabama, this midseason honor solidifies their status as legitimate national championship contenders. Simpson’s continued growth and clutch performances, particularly after the season-opening loss to Florida State, will be under intense scrutiny as Heisman discussions intensify. The Crimson Tide fan base has rallied behind him, and expectations for a deep playoff run are now higher than ever.
Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza’s stellar play has transformed Indiana into one of the most compelling stories of the season. His second-team recognition is a major individual accomplishment, but his focus will undoubtedly remain on maintaining Indiana’s unbeaten record and surprising the college football world further. The Hoosiers’ unexpected success, driven by Mendoza’s leadership, is a testament to their coaching staff and player development.
Both quarterbacks, through different journeys, have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Their performances will be critical factors in the remainder of the season, shaping not only their individual legacies but also the championship aspirations of their respective programs.
