Ty Simpson rematch with familiar foe gives Rams fans a date to circle

Even in a preseason game, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson's debut will be a much-anticipated event. Los Angeles Rams fans are keen to see what they have in this year's first-round pick. Let it loose, Ty.

Assuming Simpson gets the start, he'll go up against the Kansas City Chiefs in LA's first exhibition matchup on August 15. Not only that, but he will likely also face a familiar foe in the secondary, former LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

A popular Rams mock-draft target before general manager Les Snead rocked the NFL world by trading for Trent McDuffie, Delane went sixth overall in the 2026 draft, seven picks before Simpson. The two NFL rookies know each other from playing in the SEC together in their final year of college. Simpson and Crimson Tide took down Delane and the Tigers 20-9 last November during SEC conference play. 

Simpson will look to assert dominance again in Rams re-do vs Delane

You could say Simpson won that matchup. The Alabama passer went 21-for-35 for 277 yards and a touchdown, spreading the ball around to nine Crimson Tide receivers. His team controlled the game basically the whole way through, taking a 17-3 lead into halftime and letting the second half bog down in a defensive battle. 

Simpson did his part by providing most of the offense. Alabama mustered just 56 rushing yards that game on 26 carries. 

Delane showed up in the box score as well, registering three tackles on three different receivers and a pass breakup. But Delane and his teammates in the LSU secondary were not able to keep Simpson from hooking up for big plays with his receivers. Simpson ended the day with four throws that resulted in gains of 30-plus yards. 

Delane won't find the competition any easier with the Chiefs this season. Kansas City lost both starting corners, McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, to Snead's offseason machinations. Delane will be tasked with replacing some of that production. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him assigned to the opposing team's toughest receivers as a rookie. He's just that talented, and the secondary is just as desperate, too.

Simpson won't have the same starting opportunities with the Rams in Year 1, so he'll have to make the most of his preseason reps. He has plenty at stake as it is, competing with Stetson Bennett for the backup job behind Matthew Stafford. No doubt he would love to show up Delane again now that they're matched up in the pros. 

It's only the preseason, but hey, it's also the return of Rams football and Simpson's debut. Mark your calendars: August 15. The day can't get here soon enough. 

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