Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is poised to be selected in the late first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night, a development that would secure him a guaranteed four-year contract valued at approximately $20 million. However, Simpson revealed that he seriously considered declining that opportunity in favor of a lucrative offer to remain in college.
Speaking on David Pollack’s podcast, Simpson disclosed that Miami had previously extended a $6.5 million offer for him to transfer and play for the Hurricanes in 2026. “The last offer was definitely one that I just had to sit down and consider, because it would have been life-changing money,” Simpson said. “It would have made me the highest-paid player in college, and it was something to where I was like, I can’t just ignore this. I have to sit down and think about it.”
Simpson, who served as a backup at Alabama for three years before becoming the starter last season, sought guidance from his former coach, Nick Saban. “I actually talked to Coach Saban about this,” Simpson recounted. “He asked, ‘Do you want to play football in college, or do you want to play football professionally? Take the money out of it, take the rounds out of it—what do you want to do next year?’ Without hesitation, I said, ‘I want to play professional football.’ And he was like, ‘Well, there’s your answer.’ It was something that I’ve always dreamed of, and I felt that I was ready to take that next step and be the face of a franchise and lead a locker room.”
Simpson’s dilemma highlights a shifting dynamic in American football, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have enabled college players to earn substantial sums that, in some cases, rival or exceed early NFL contracts. This new financial landscape means athletes must now weigh the benefits of another year in college against the potential of entering the professional ranks.
The rise of NIL compensation has transformed both college and professional football, altering how players approach their careers and how programs recruit and retain talent. As Simpson prepares for his NFL future, his experience underscores the complex decisions facing top college athletes in an era where financial incentives extend beyond the professional league.
