Ty Simpson is preparing to hear his name called in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft this Thursday, but before that, he recently pulled back the curtain on a decision that nearly changed the trajectory of his career: a massive $6.5 million offer to transfer to the Miami Hurricanes.
During a recent appearance on David Pollack’s podcast, Simpson confirmed rumors that had been swirling since mid-January. Following a breakout 2025 season where he threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, the Hurricanes reportedly targeted Simpson with an NIL package that would have made him the highest-paid player in college football history.
College Football World Reacts to Ty Simpson Passing on $6.5M
When this revelation went public, the college football world didn’t wait to express its opinion. Canes Corner’s X handle wrote, “Kinda crazy ngl… I’m pretty sure Mensah is better. But Simpson was pretty damn good at certain points last year.”
Spotrac’s X handle commented on the financial stakes, noting that a rookie contract for a late first-round pick would average around $5 million annually: “Ty Simpson will need to be a Top 35 draft pick to secure $6.5M in the NFL this season.”
Ross Tucker declared his own stance on the offer: “I’ll go back to college yesterday for $6.5M… and stay as long as they’ll have me.”
Meanwhile, Breiden Fehoko expressed skepticism, writing, “This is cap. If he got offered 6.5 million… knowing he’s not even a sure first round pick you really think he’d turn down 6.5 million? Cmon man.”
“I think the last offer was definitely one that I just had to sit down and consider, because it would have been life-changing money,” Simpson admitted to Pollack. “I really felt good with my decision to go pro, but that amount of money to play college football again… makes you stop and think.”
Faced with the choice, Simpson turned to Nick Saban for counsel. When Saban asked him to strip away the finances and choose based on his heart, Simpson promptly told him he wanted to be in the NFL. “He was like, ‘Well, there’s your answer,'” Simpson recalled.
While $6.5 million is a massive sum for a single season, Simpson’s decision was a calculated long-term move. As a projected first-round pick, Simpson is expected to sign a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $20 million. By entering the draft now, he secures the coveted fifth-year option and starts the clock toward a potentially massive second contract.
Simpson’s rejection of the “Miami bag” has resonated with scouts. To teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, his decision signals a professional, football-first focus. It showcases a player who isn’t distracted by immediate NIL gains but is instead focused on the long-term grind of an NFL career.
