In the wild west of the NIL era, some numbers are still big enough to make even the most seasoned scouts do a double-take. Just ask Ty Simpson. Before officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback stared down a massive decision that could have changed his life before he even set foot on a professional practice field.
On an episode of David Pollack’s podcast, Simpson revealed that Miami football went all-in to lure Simpson to South Florida, offering a staggering $6.5 million NIL package to lead their offense for the 2026 season. It is the kind of money that usually accompanies a top-five draft slot, yet Simpson chose to bet on himself and his development under the bright lights of the NFL instead.
Turning down that kind of guaranteed cash is a bold move, but the 2025 campaign from Simpson showed exactly why he feels ready for the next level. While his final collegiate outing was a rough 38-3 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl, scouts are focused on the full body of work rather than one bad night in the rain.
Simpson dominated the regular season, racking up 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions. That consistent production earned him AP Midseason All-American honors and proved he has the tools to thrive in a pro-style system.
While the “U” tried to make him the face of their program, NFL insiders are busy mocking him to the first round. Adam Schefter of ESPN recently quelled rumors linking Simpson to the Los Angeles Rams, noting that while the fit makes sense on paper, several other quarterback-needy teams are positioned higher on the board.
For Simpson, the choice wasn’t just about the bag; it was about the dream. Miami offered the mountain of cash, but the NFL offers the chance at a legacy. As draft night looms, the former Alabama star is ready to prove that he’s worth every bit of the hype, and the millions he left on the table.
In the wild west of the NIL era, some numbers are still big enough to make even the most seasoned scouts do a double-take. Just ask Ty Simpson. Before officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback stared down a massive decision that could have changed his life before he even set foot on a professional practice field.
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