Overview
- Simpson submitted his draft paperwork on Jan. 13, keeping his name in the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of Wednesday’s early-entry deadline, according to On3 and The Tuscaloosa News.
- He told On3 that Miami raised its offer to $6.5 million after missing Sam Leavitt, with Ole Miss and Tennessee near $4 million and Ole Miss indicating it could match the top figure.
- Simpson said he turned down the deals because he did not want to undercut what he built at Alabama, and he informed Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb he would proceed to the NFL.
- He accepted a Senior Bowl invitation and has not entered the transfer portal, per multiple reports.
- Draft evaluators place him among the top quarterbacks in the class, with his father telling ESPN he received first-round grades; he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 2025.