Nick Saban offers advice to $6.5 million college football QB after transfer portal decision

The NCAA transfer portal is nearing the end of its current two-week window for college football players to transfer, set to close on Friday. Since the portal opened on January 2, thousands of players have entered, with quarterback transfers between Power Four schools garnering significant attention.

Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who was considering entering the transfer portal, opted instead to declare for the 2026 NFL draft on January 7. Simpson, part of Alabama's 2022 signing class, had a notable college career, culminating in his 2025 season as Alabama's starting quarterback. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and led Alabama to an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff appearance.

Simpson received significant offers to transfer, including a $6.5 million offer from Miami, but decided to pursue the NFL draft following advice from Alabama coach Nick Saban. Saban advised Simpson to focus on his personal goals rather than financial incentives.

The 2026 NFL draft landscape