In a surprising twist, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. That hasn’t stopped college football programs from chasing after him anyway.
Even with his draft decision, Simpson’s reportedly been offered some eye-popping NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contracts by several schools. There’s no question he’s a hot commodity in college sports right now.
All of this makes you wonder what’s really going on between college football and the NFL these days. Simpson’s 2025 season was impressive, and his future in the league is drawing a lot of attention.
Ty Simpson’s Journey to the NFL Draft
Ty Simpson’s path to the NFL hasn’t exactly followed the script. Ranked No. 26 overall and the No. 4 quarterback in the 2022 class by 247Sports, he could’ve transferred for playing time but stuck it out at Alabama.
He waited three years, backing up Bryce Young in 2022 and Jalen Milroe in 2023 and 2024. Finally, in 2025, he got his shot as the starter.
It’s rare to see that kind of patience these days. Most guys just hit the portal if they’re not playing right away.
2025 Season Performance
Once Simpson finally took over in 2025, he made the most of it. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
That kind of production put him right up there with the SEC’s best. Sure, he had some rough moments, but overall, he showed why people have been so high on him.
His last game with Alabama didn’t go great, though. In the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana, he managed only 67 yards in a 38-3 blowout loss.
Still, his season stats and leadership have made him a major NFL prospect.
NIL Offers: A Tempting Proposition
Even after declaring for the draft, Simpson’s phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with NIL offers. According to AL.com’s Nick Kelly, at least one program’s put $6.5 million on the table.
Three SEC teams have offered at least $4 million each. It’s wild how much money is in play for college athletes now.
The Impact of NIL on College Football
NIL deals have completely changed college sports. For someone like Simpson, those offers are a real reason to pause and think.
Imagine earning millions while still in school. It’s a massive shift—not just for Simpson, but for how college athletics work in general.
Schools have to step up if they want to keep or land top talent. For players, it’s a new kind of decision: stay and cash in, or jump to the pros?
Simpson’s NFL Draft Prospects
Even with all that NIL money floating around, Simpson’s still projected as a first-round NFL pick. Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department has him at No. 30 overall and the No. 3 quarterback in this year’s class.
Their latest mock draft sends him to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13. NFL scouts and analysts seem pretty sold on his upside.
The Importance of the NFL Combine
The NFL Combine is coming up, and it could be huge for Simpson. He’ll get a much better sense of where he stands among the other top prospects.
If he crushes it there, his first-round status might be locked in and the NFL would be hard to turn down. But if things don’t go as planned, maybe those big college offers start to look more tempting.
Ty Simpson’s Next Move: A Changing Game
Ty Simpson declaring for the NFL Draft while still getting big NIL offers? That says a lot about how college and pro sports are shifting. He started out as a backup, waiting for his chance at Alabama, and then—finally—became their star quarterback.
His 2025 season turned heads, and now he’s a top NFL prospect. But those NIL deals? They’re tempting. It’s not every day that a college athlete has to weigh pro dreams against real, serious money to stay in school.
Simpson’s choice isn’t just about him. It’s kind of a sign of the times, honestly. The line between college and pro sports is getting fuzzier, and athletes like Simpson are right in the middle of it all, juggling money and ambition.
Want more on Ty Simpson’s NIL offers and draft buzz? Check out the full article on Bleacher Report.
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