When Alabama Crimson Tide edged LSU Tigers 24-17 on November 8, 2025, it wasn’t just another SEC rivalry game—it was a live NFL draft scouting report. Three future first-rounders delivered standout performances: Ty Simpson, Alabama’s poised quarterback ranked #7 overall by ESPN’s 2026 draft list; Mansoor Delane, LSU’s lockdown cornerback at #18; and Kadyn Proctor, Alabama’s monstrous offensive tackle at #20. The game, played at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, wasn’t just about pride—it was a final, high-stakes audition before the 2026 NFL Draft. And scouts didn’t leave disappointed.
Alabama’s NFL Pipeline Keeps Running
The Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t just win—they reaffirmed their reputation as the NFL’s most reliable farm system. Just seven months after the 2025 NFL Draft, where four Tide players heard their names called—including Tyler Booker (12th overall to Dallas Cowboys)—Alabama’s current roster is loaded with draft-worthy talent. Ty Simpson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in the win, calmly dismantling LSU’s zone coverage with textbook timing and pocket presence. He didn’t force a single throw. That’s the kind of poise NFL teams pay for. And he was there in April, sitting beside Booker in the draft green room, watching his former teammate get picked in the first round. Now, it’s his turn.
Proctor, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound anchor on the right side, didn’t allow a single pressure all night. He’s not flashy—he doesn’t need to be. He just wins. And that’s why he’s projected as a top-20 pick. ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called him “the most fundamentally sound tackle in the class.” He’s not just a run blocker; he’s a pass protector who can mirror speed rushers. That’s rare.
LSU’s Defensive Star Steals the Show
While LSU’s offense sputtered, Mansoor Delane was the only reason the Tigers stayed competitive. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound cornerback shadowed Alabama’s top receiver, Germie Bernard, all night, breaking up three passes and forcing a key third-down incompletion in the red zone. He’s not just a cover guy—he’s a ball hawk. Delane has three interceptions this season, two of them returned for touchdowns. His athleticism and instincts remind scouts of former LSU standout Derek Stingley Jr., who went third overall in 2022. Delane’s film doesn’t need embellishment. It speaks for itself.
But here’s the twist: LSU’s defense carried them while the offense imploded. And that’s where the real drama unfolded.
The Quarterback Controversy That Changed the Game
With LSU trailing 17-6 in the third quarter, interim coach Frank Harris made a bold move: he benched starter Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier had started 9 of 9 passes early, but his accuracy vanished under pressure. The offensive line, missing two starters to injury, couldn’t protect him. After a 14-yard sack pushed LSU out of the red zone, Harris pulled the plug. Enter Michael Van Buren Jr., the freshman transfer from Mississippi State who had already played four games last season—meaning he was on the edge of burning his redshirt. He entered with 10:12 left in the third quarter and promptly led a 12-play, 72-yard drive that ended in a touchdown. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy. And it kept LSU alive.
Van Buren’s presence raises a bigger question: Is this the future? Or just a desperate move? He’s got a strong arm and mobility, but his decision-making under pressure is still raw. Scouts will watch him closely in LSU’s final three games—against Arkansas, Western Kentucky, and No. 11 Oklahoma. If he holds up, he could vault into the 2026 draft conversation as a late-round wild card.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
Alabama’s path is clear: finish the regular season strong, then prepare for the SEC Championship and a likely New Year’s Six bowl. Simpson’s final home game is next week against Auburn. That’s his last chance to cement his top-five status. Proctor, meanwhile, has already declared his intention to enter the draft. He’s not returning for a fifth year.
LSU’s future is murkier. They’re 5-5. A win over Oklahoma could get them to a bowl. But the bigger story is the quarterback position. Will Harris stick with Van Buren? Or will he bring Nussmeier back for the bowl game? And what about the other 2026 prospects? Will Campbell, the 323-pound offensive tackle, is still developing. Bradyn Swinson, the edge rusher who had 11.5 sacks last season, is a potential mid-round pick. But Delane is the only sure thing.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This game wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was a snapshot of two programs at crossroads. Alabama is the machine—consistent, efficient, NFL-ready. LSU is the gamble—raw talent, flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency that keeps them from elite status. For fans, it’s about pride. For scouts, it’s about risk assessment. For the players? It’s about legacy.
And for the 2026 draft? Simpson, Delane, and Proctor are no longer just college stars. They’re names on a board. Teams are already charting their workouts, their 40 times, their interviews. The draft isn’t next year—it’s already here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ty Simpson ranked so high despite limited playing time?
Simpson has started only 12 games but has shown elite decision-making, minimal turnovers, and elite pocket presence under pressure. Scouts value his ability to read defenses and deliver accurate throws on the move. He’s not a dual-threat like Jalen Milroe, but his precision and composure in the pocket make him a rare prototype for modern NFL teams that prioritize efficiency over athleticism.
How does Mansoor Delane compare to other top SEC corners in the 2026 class?
Delane is the most consistent cover corner in the SEC this season. He doesn’t rely on physicality—he uses technique and route recognition. Compared to Alabama’s Germie Bernard (ranked #21), Delane has better ball skills and more experience in press coverage. He’s projected as a top-15 pick, potentially higher if he improves his tackling consistency in the open field.
What’s the significance of Kadyn Proctor’s draft projection?
Proctor’s #20 ranking is significant because offensive tackles with his size, strength, and technique rarely fall out of the top 20. He’s not just a run blocker—he’s a pass protector who can handle edge rushers with elite speed. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, who prioritize protecting their QBs, would consider him a top target. He’s the kind of player who can start Week 1.
Why did Frank Harris bench Garrett Nussmeier?
Nussmeier started strong but lost accuracy under pressure, especially as LSU’s offensive line broke down. He took three sacks in the second half, including a critical 14-yarder that killed a red zone drive. Harris felt the team needed a spark. Van Buren’s mobility and energy offered that—even if his decision-making isn’t polished yet. The move was less about performance and more about momentum.
How many Alabama players are expected to be drafted in 2026?
At least five from Alabama are projected to be selected, including Simpson, Proctor, Germie Bernard (#21), and defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Alabama has had at least six players drafted in each of the last seven NFL Drafts, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. The Tide’s pipeline is as reliable as any in college football.
What does LSU’s 2026 draft class look like beyond Delane?
Beyond Delane, LSU’s most likely draft picks are Will Campbell (OT), Bradyn Swinson (DE), and Mason Taylor (TE). Campbell has the size and potential but needs consistency. Swinson, who had 11.5 sacks in 2024, is a late-round sleeper with high upside. Taylor, a hybrid tight end, could be a Day 3 pick for teams wanting a pass-catching threat. But none carry Delane’s first-round pedigree.
Trenton Stryker
Hi, I'm Trenton Stryker, a gaming enthusiast with a passion for all things related to the virtual world. With my extensive knowledge and expertise in various gaming genres, I enjoy writing about the latest trends, sharing tips and tricks, and providing in-depth game reviews. My love for gaming has inspired me to create engaging content that helps fellow gamers stay informed and entertained. Join me on this exciting journey as I continue to explore the ever-evolving gaming universe.