Ty Simpson has declared his intention to enter the NFL Draft, but that hasn’t stopped other programs from attempting to persuade him to return to college in 2026.
Simpson, through third parties, has continued to receive offers from other Power Four programs, sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell AL.com. The deadline to officially declare for the NFL Draft is Wednesday.
It’s unclear, per industry sources, whether a player who has declared can still take his name back out of the draft prior to the deadline.
At least one program has offered Simpson a deal that could total $6.5 million to play in 2026, according to one source with direct knowledge. Three SEC schools have also presented offers of at least $4 million and more for Simpson.
The hot pursuit for Simpson is, in part, a reflection of the fluid quarterback market for the 2026 season.
“Several teams chasing a shrinking pool of elite quarterbacks, combined with the pressure to field a CFP contender, could drive up the price for certain players who have yet to transfer and/or are considering the NFL Draft and are seen as transformative,” said attorney Darren Heitner, who has been involved in over 25 player contracts this cycle. “It’s basic economics where leverage meets scarcity.”
Whether Simpson would accept one of those offers is a different matter. That has multiple facets. If the feedback and expectation is that he will be a first-round pick, there is guaranteed money involved.
The uncertainty of another college football season is another consideration. There are clear pros (perform well and improve your stock) and cons (the possibility of poor performance or injury).
Also, all indications are that Simpson cares about his legacy at Alabama, where he stayed and waited for four years to become a starter. Look no further than his NFL draft declaration video.
“I’m proud to be a part of this legacy, to have chosen to be where my feet are, to have learned you can’t be anybody but yourself and to strive to be the best version of yourself every single day,” Simpson said in a video he released on his Instagram.
“There was temptation along the way, temptation to find an easier path. But when you choose Alabama football, there’s a responsibility and a pride that comes with it. It’s something you feel deep down. It’s not a choice to stay at Alabama. You just are Alabama, or you’re not.”