Ty Simpson disclosed that he rejected several substantial name, image, and likeness (NIL) proposals from various universities to move teams, opting to enter the 2026 NFL Draft rather than transfer.
The former signal-caller for Alabama announced his intention to join the professional ranks seven days after the Crimson Tide’s removal from the College Football Playoff. In an article released by On3 on Tuesday evening, he shared that institutions like Ole Miss, LSU, Miami, and Tennessee had reached out regarding a possible transfer during the recent weekend. It seemed Miami was ready to provide a substantially larger financial package compared to both LSU and Tennessee.
Nevertheless, Simpson remained firm in his commitment to pursue a career in the NFL.
According to On3:
Simpson revealed that numerous proposals flooded his representative. Both Miami and Tennessee indicated they would compensate him with $4 million. Ole Miss also entered the negotiation in the vicinity of $4 million, and Tennessee hinted at a potential offer reaching $5 million. Ultimately, Miami escalated their bid to $6.5 million.
“Miami initially seemed to suggest, ‘Okay, we’re pursuing other options,’ but after not securing Sam Leavitt, they returned with that significant figure,” Simpson stated. “Subsequently, Ole Miss contacted me once more, indicating their ability to equal that amount.”
For perspective, regarding the NIL proposals extended to Simpson, the largest publicized agreement for a transferring quarterback this offseason was Brendan Sorsby’s $5 million contract with Texas Tech.
Simpson expressed that, in the end, he preferred not to be known as someone who remained in collegiate athletics solely due to receiving a substantial NIL sum for switching institutions.
“Coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have truly supported me,” Simpson mentioned. “I imagine they were curious about the situation, as they needed my decision by last Thursday to begin constructing next year’s squad. I was candid, informing them of the offers I received, but explaining I simply couldn’t accept them due to my principles, Alabama’s significance to me, and the heritage I established there. Everyone would simply recall me as the individual who accepted all this money to go to Miami or Tennessee for his final academic year. Yet, I was a team captain. My hand and footprints are etched in the cement at Denny Chimes.”
“I would have forfeited all the accomplishments and reputation I cultivated at Alabama.”
Twelve months prior, Miami’s NIL arrangement with quarterback Carson Beck was reportedly valued at $4 million, marking the largest of that transfer period. This agreement proved quite successful. Despite Beck’s recovery from elbow surgery during the current offseason, he has been instrumental in guiding the Hurricanes to the national championship match versus Indiana on Monday evening.
Simpson commenced only a single campaign as a starter for Alabama, having previously served as a backup to Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young. The junior in his fourth year achieved 305 completions out of 473 attempts, accumulating 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 2025. He possesses the potential to be a first-round selection in the forthcoming draft, particularly if Dante Moore from Oregon chooses to stay in college for an additional year.
LSU, in the interim, secured Sam Leavitt, an ex-Arizona State quarterback, through the transfer portal earlier this week. Conversely, the remaining three institutions are presently grappling with ambiguous quarterback scenarios for the 2026 season.
Ole Miss is anticipating a sixth year of playing eligibility for their starting player Trinidad Chambliss, given that the initial Week 1 starter Austin Simmons has already moved to Missouri. The NCAA has rejected Chambliss’ requests for an additional season, prompting Chambliss to consider legal recourse. Tennessee’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, is similarly seeking a waiver for a seventh year of university football following his tenure at a junior college, but his attempt at an exemption also appears improbable to be granted. Beck’s eligibility will conclude after the national championship contest.
None of these three teams have brought in a quarterback of starting quality through the transfer portal. Therefore, unless an unexpected player joins the portal before its closure on January 16th or their appeals to the NCAA prove fruitful, all three institutions might commence the 2026 season facing considerable uncertainties at the quarterback position.
