Ty Simpson had a major decision to make this offseason - one that could’ve shaken up the college football landscape. Miami reportedly put a massive NIL offer on the table, in the $4 to $6.5 million range, hoping to lure the Alabama quarterback into the transfer portal.
But Simpson said no. Not just a quiet no - a definitive, legacy-driven no.
In a recent interview, Simpson made it clear: he wasn’t about to walk away from what he built in Tuscaloosa. “The last thing I wanted to do was tarnish my legacy and go somewhere else,” he told AL.com. That’s not just a soundbite - it’s a window into the mindset of a player who values loyalty and legacy just as much as draft stock or dollar signs.
And let’s be clear, Simpson didn’t walk away from pocket change. Turning down millions in NIL money isn’t something you see every day, especially in today’s college football world where the portal has turned into a high-stakes marketplace. But Simpson had his eyes on the NFL Draft, and he’s staying the course, betting on himself to hear his name called in the first round this April.
Now, from Miami’s side of things, this could’ve been a massive swing-and-miss. But instead, it turned into a win of a different kind.
The Hurricanes landed Darian Mensah, one of the most dynamic quarterback talents in the country, and he’s already drawing early Heisman buzz before even taking a snap in Coral Gables. That’s the kind of offseason pivot that can define a program’s trajectory.
Mensah isn’t coming alone either. Miami also added former Duke standout Cooper Barkate, giving the offense another versatile weapon. With Shannon Dawson dialing up plays and Mario Cristobal continuing to build a physical, fast, and fearless roster, the Hurricanes are once again looking like a serious threat in the ACC - and beyond.
Their run to the College Football Playoff title game last season wasn’t a fluke. It was a signal. And now, with Mensah under center and a reloaded offense around him, Miami’s aiming even higher.
As for Simpson, he’ll take his next steps at the professional level, entering the NFL Draft as a proud Alabama alum. He leaves behind a legacy built on commitment, not just talent. And while Miami fans might’ve briefly dreamed of seeing him in orange and green, there’s no second-guessing how things ultimately played out.
Simpson stayed true to his roots. Miami landed a star of its own. And college football, once again, reminded us that loyalty, timing, and talent all have a role to play in shaping the sport’s ever-evolving storylines.