TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has officially closed the door on a return to college football, formally submitting his paperwork for the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday. In doing so, the redshirt junior turned down one of the most lucrative offers in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) history: a reported $6.5 million package to transfer to the University of Miami.
According to sources close to the situation, the Miami Hurricanes made an aggressive late push to lure Simpson to Coral Gables after missing out on other transfer targets, including Sam Leavitt. The Hurricanes, seeking a replacement for departing starter Carson Beck, reportedly escalated their offer from $4 million to a staggering $6.5 million within minutes. Similar seven-figure inquiries were reportedly made by Tennessee and Ole Miss, with the Rebels expressing a willingness to match Miami’s numbers.
Despite the life-changing guaranteed money, Simpson chose to bet on his NFL future and his legacy in Tuscaloosa.
“You’re either Alabama, or you’re not,” Simpson reportedly told his inner circle, emphasizing his desire to be remembered as a Crimson Tide captain rather than a mercenary for another program. Simpson also cited advice from former head coach Nick Saban, who encouraged him to make the decision based on football goals rather than finances. “Take the money out of it,” Saban reportedly advised. “If everybody was offering you zero dollars, what would you want to do?”
Financial Risk and Criticism
While Simpson’s loyalty is being lauded by the Alabama faithful, some industry analysts view the decision as a significant financial gamble. The $6.5 million offer from Miami would have been fully guaranteed income for the 2026 season. In contrast, Simpson projects as a late first-round or early second-round pick.
If Simpson slides out of the first round—a possibility given the depth of the 2026 quarterback class featuring Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore—his rookie signing bonus could potentially fall below the NIL cash he just rejected. An injury during the pre-draft process or a poor showing at the Senior Bowl could further jeopardize his guaranteed earnings, making the “bird in the hand” offer from Miami a safer financial route that he bypassed.
Background and Context
Simpson’s decision concludes a turbulent but successful 2025 campaign under head coach Kalen DeBoer. After waiting his turn behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, Simpson seized the starting job and threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff, securing a victory over Oklahoma before a rib injury sidelined him in a quarterfinal loss to Indiana.
For Miami, the rejection is a stinging blow. Head coach Mario Cristobal is now left scrambling for a quarterback option to lead a roster that just earned $20 million from a playoff appearance. With top targets like Leavitt (LSU) and now Simpson off the board, the Hurricanes may be forced to look at unproven developmental prospects or lower-tier transfer options.
Simpson leaves Tuscaloosa having cemented his status in program history, choosing the uncertainty of the draft over the certainty of a massive payday, ensuring his footprints at Denny Chimes remain those of a one-school player.
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Image Prompt for Article
Description: A hyper-realistic split-screen image. On the left side, Ty Simpson in his crimson Alabama #15 jersey is walking into a dark stadium tunnel toward a bright light (symbolizing the NFL), looking determined and holding a helmet. On the right side, a blurry, shadowed boardroom table features a Miami Hurricanes helmet sitting next to an open briefcase overflowing with stacks of cash, symbolizing the rejected offer. The lighting on the left is heroic and golden; the lighting on the right is cold and neon-green.
Style: Editorial sports photography, cinematic lighting, 8k resolution.
Illustration Prompt for Social Media
Description: A vector-style illustration showing a cartoon version of Ty Simpson standing at a crossroads. One sign points left to “NFL Draft” with a steep, rocky path. The other sign points right to “South Beach” paved with gold bars and palm trees. Simpson is smiling, tossing a football, and confidently stepping onto the rocky “NFL” path while waving goodbye to the gold.
Style: Flat design, vibrant colors, sports editorial illustration.
SEO Keywords
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Social Media Posts
X (formerly Twitter):
BREAKING: Ty Simpson says NO to $6.5M from Miami! 🏈💰 The Bama QB is officially headed to the 2026 NFL Draft, turning down historic NIL money to preserve his legacy. “You’re either Alabama, or you’re not.” Is he making the right financial call? #RollTide #NFLDraft #CollegeFootball
Facebook:
He turned down $6.5 MILLION to stay true to his school. Alabama QB Ty Simpson has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, rejecting a massive last-minute offer from the Miami Hurricanes. Simpson chose his NFL dreams and Alabama legacy over a guaranteed fortune in the transfer portal. Brave move or financial risk? Read the full story on how the QB market is exploding.
Instagram:
OFFICIAL: Ty Simpson is NFL bound! 🐘➡️🦁 Despite a tempting $6.5 million offer to transfer to Miami, the Alabama QB has signed his draft paperwork. Simpson cited advice from Nick Saban and a desire to protect his legacy in Tuscaloosa. “Take the money out of it,” Saban told him. Do you respect the loyalty? 👇 #TySimpson #AlabamaFootball #NFLDraft2026 #NIL #MiamiHurricanes
