College football’s new era has delivered another jaw-dropping moment, and this one centers on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Just days after declaring for the NFL Draft, reports have emerged that Simpson has been offered life-changing NIL packages worth up to $6.5 million to stay in college football for one more season — and potentially suit up for a new program.
According to multiple reports, several powerhouse programs are aggressively pursuing the former Crimson Tide quarterback, hoping to lure him back from the professional ranks. At the top of the list is Miami, which is said to have placed a staggering $6.5 million offer on the table. Tennessee and Ole Miss are also in the mix, each reportedly offering around $4 million to secure Simpson’s services through the transfer portal.
The numbers alone underline just how dramatically the landscape of college football has changed. Not long ago, declaring for the NFL Draft was the clearest financial decision for elite quarterbacks. Now, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities are rivaling — and in some cases surpassing — rookie NFL contracts, especially for players projected outside the first round.
Simpson’s situation is particularly fascinating. As an Alabama quarterback, he has already benefited from elite development, top-tier competition, and national exposure. However, with uncertainty surrounding immediate NFL draft positioning, returning to college with a massive NIL deal could offer both financial security and the chance to elevate his draft stock.
Programs like Miami, Tennessee, and Ole Miss see more than just a quarterback — they see a program-changer. Miami continues its aggressive push to reclaim national relevance, Tennessee is seeking consistency at the most important position on the field, and Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin remains one of college football’s most quarterback-friendly systems.
Beyond Simpson himself, this story sends shockwaves through the sport. It highlights how top players now hold unprecedented leverage, forcing both colleges and the NFL to compete for talent in ways never imagined before. The line between “college athlete” and “professional” has never been thinner.
Whether Simpson ultimately sticks with the NFL Draft or shocks the football world by returning to college remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is this: college football has entered a new financial arms race, and quarterbacks like Ty Simpson are at the center of it all.
One decision. Millions on the line. And a future that could redefine the balance of power in football.
