Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson made headlines by rejecting a staggering $6.5 million offer to stay in school. After declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft following his breakout 2025 season, schools like Miami (who upped their bid from $4 million), Ole Miss, and Tennessee flooded his camp with lucrative packages—some exceeding $4 million—to lure him into the transfer portal for one more year. Yet Simpson stood firm, signing his official draft paperwork and prioritizing his lifelong dream over a short-term financial windfall.
Simpson’s loyalty to Alabama runs deep, forged through years of patience and perseverance. A five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee, he enrolled early in 2022, redshirted, and backed up stars like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe for three seasons. Many players would have bolted via the portal when opportunities arose, but Simpson stayed, embodying the “Roll Tide” ethos. He often credited legendary coach Nick Saban’s guidance for teaching him to “trust the process,” and even after Saban’s retirement, he remained committed. This steadfastness earned him respect from teammates, coaches like Kalen DeBoer, and fans who saw him as a true Crimson Tide embodiment.
In his lone year as starter in 2025, Simpson delivered a solid performance, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, leading Alabama to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. He guided the Tide to a thrilling first-round comeback win over Oklahoma before a tough Rose Bowl loss to Indiana. NFL scouts viewed him as a top-three QB prospect (behind Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore), with many giving him first-round grades. For Simpson, entering the draft now meant showcasing his pro-style traits at the highest level, rather than risking his momentum for another college season.
The decision wasn’t easy—Simpson admitted the $6.5 million figure made him pause, especially when his parents noted it exceeded their lifetime earnings combined. He sought advice from family, prayed, and even consulted Nick Saban, who urged him to “take the money out of it” and focus on what he truly wanted. Ultimately, Simpson couldn’t stomach the idea of being remembered as “the guy who took the money and switched teams.” He valued the legacy he’d built at Alabama too much, refusing to dilute his story with a big-money detour.
Simpson’s choice highlights a rare counterpoint in today’s NIL-driven landscape. While many quarterbacks leverage strong seasons for massive payouts, he prioritized long-term NFL success and personal integrity. He leaves Alabama as a one-program player, entering the draft with the pride of having never worn another jersey. His Instagram announcement captured it perfectly: “You’re either Alabama, or you’re not.”
As Simpson prepares for the NFL Combine and beyond, his story inspires: in a world of quick cash, some still choose legacy over the highest bidder. Alabama fans will forever remember him as loyal to the core—a true Tide through and through. Roll Tide!
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