It’s been a full year since Carson Beck made the bold decision to leave Georgia and take his talents to Miami. And while that move raised more than a few eyebrows at the time, it’s hard to argue with the results. Beck and the Hurricanes are set to play for a National Championship next week - a testament to how well the transition has worked out for both sides on the field.
But behind the scenes, Beck’s transfer remains a hot-button topic, especially as more details emerge about Miami’s aggressive pursuit of top-tier quarterbacks through NIL offers. Case in point: Ty Simpson.
Simpson, the former Alabama quarterback and team captain, recently declared for the NFL Draft. But before he made that jump, Miami - along with Tennessee and Ole Miss - reportedly made a serious push to lure him back to college for one more season.
According to Simpson, the Hurricanes offered him a staggering $6.5 million to transfer. He turned it down.
That’s a number that speaks volumes about the current state of college football and the power of NIL. But Simpson’s decision? That speaks even louder.
In a statement explaining why he chose to stay in the draft, Simpson made it clear that legacy mattered more than money.
“Everybody would just remember me as the guy who took all this money and went to Miami or Tennessee for his last year,” Simpson said. “But I was a captain.
I put my hand and footprints in the cement at Denny Chimes. I would have lost everything that I built at Alabama.”
It’s a powerful quote - one that underscores how much Simpson valued what he’d built in Tuscaloosa. He wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a leader, a cornerstone of Alabama’s program.
And in an era where NIL deals are changing the game, Simpson made a choice that bucks the trend. He chose legacy over leverage.
Now, it’s impossible not to draw a contrast with Beck. Like Simpson, Beck was a program leader - a proven winner at Georgia with a strong connection to the Bulldogs' recent success.
But when Miami came calling, Beck answered. He made the move, and in doing so, changed the trajectory of his career.
Has it worked for him? Absolutely.
Beck’s thriving in Miami, and a national title shot is nothing to scoff at. But Simpson’s decision highlights a different kind of win - one rooted in loyalty, identity, and long-term impact.
In many ways, Simpson’s stance is a reminder that not every player is chasing the biggest bag. For some, the jersey they wore, the teammates they led, and the legacy they leave behind still matter more than a multi-million dollar offer.
College football is evolving fast. NIL has opened doors that players a decade ago couldn’t have imagined. But with that evolution comes tough choices - and Simpson made one that will resonate with fans who still believe in the power of school pride and program loyalty.
As for Beck, he’s got his eyes on a championship. And if he brings Miami a title, there’s no doubt he’ll be celebrated in Coral Gables. But Simpson’s decision shows that sometimes, staying put can be just as powerful as taking the leap.