Ty Simpson, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, is on the brink of something big: getting his name called in the NFL draft. For Simpson, this isn’t just another career step—it’s a lifelong dream finally within reach.
His journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. There were moments of real doubt and tough choices along the way.
Between the end of Alabama’s season and the NFL draft declaration, Simpson faced some eye-popping NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offers. These deals could’ve kept him in college football for another year, maybe even changed his whole path.
Let’s take a look at what shaped Simpson’s decision, the conversation he had with Nick Saban, and what might be next for this determined athlete.
Ty Simpson’s Journey to the NFL Draft
Simpson’s rise to the NFL draft wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He spent years as a backup for the Crimson Tide before finally getting the starting job in 2025.
Once he got his shot, he made it count. That year, he led Alabama to an 11-4 record and their first College Football Playoff appearance after Nick Saban’s retirement.
His numbers? Pretty impressive: 3,567 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, and a couple of rushing scores thrown in for good measure.
Lucrative NIL Offers
When the 2025 season wrapped up, Simpson was at a crossroads. He hadn’t entered the transfer portal, but that didn’t stop top Power Five teams from chasing him with massive NIL offers.
The Jackson Sun reported that Miami, fresh off a national runner-up finish, dangled a staggering $6.5 million deal in front of him—enough to make anyone pause. Tennessee and Ole Miss weren’t far behind, each offering $4 million.
Simpson admitted these offers made him stop and think. On former Georgia linebacker David Pollack’s podcast, he said it was impossible to ignore the sheer size of those numbers.
But at the end of the day, he had to ask himself what really mattered. Was it the money, or something else?
Consulting with Nick Saban
In the middle of all this, Simpson turned to someone who knows a thing or two about big decisions: Nick Saban. Their conversation ended up being a turning point.
Saban pushed Simpson to really consider what he wanted—not just what would pay the most. If money wasn’t the issue, did he want to keep playing college ball or jump to the pros?
That question stuck with him. Simpson realized his heart was set on the NFL, plain and simple.
He wanted to lead a locker room, take on new challenges, and see if he could be the face of a franchise. Saban’s advice helped him see that the next step was right there for the taking.
Projected NFL Future
Now, with the draft right around the corner, Simpson’s name keeps popping up in first-round projections. USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis sees the Arizona Cardinals trading up to snag him at No. 28 overall.
He’s ranked as the No. 2 quarterback by USA TODAY Sports’ Ayrton Ostly, and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz puts him at No. 49 overall. Not bad at all.
Simpson’s leadership and his stats at Alabama have turned heads. Scouts and analysts are watching closely, and it’s clear he’s a hot prospect this year.
Impact of NIL on College Football
Simpson’s story really shines a light on how much NIL deals are changing college football. Athletes can now make serious money before even turning pro.
For some, that’s a dream come true. For others, it’s a tough call—take the cash now, or chase the bigger dream?
Balancing Financial Incentives and Career Goals
NIL has opened a lot of doors for college athletes, but it’s also made things more complicated. Guys like Simpson have to weigh big paydays against what they really want for their careers.
For Simpson, the NFL was always the goal. He wanted to compete at the highest level, even if it meant walking away from huge offers.
Plenty of athletes will face similar choices as NIL continues to shake things up. The balance between money and ambition isn’t always easy—but maybe that’s what keeps the game interesting.
Conclusion
Ty Simpson’s run to the NFL draft? It’s honestly kind of wild. The guy’s got dedication, sure, but there’s also a mix of talent and, let’s be real, some good advice from big names like Nick Saban.
He could’ve chased some pretty hefty NIL deals, but he stuck with his gut. Instead, Simpson put his dreams first and went all-in on the draft.
As he gets ready for what’s next, you can’t help but wonder how many young athletes are watching and thinking, “Maybe I could do that too.”
If you want to dig deeper into Ty Simpson’s choice and how he got here, check out The Jackson Sun.
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