Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is making moves off the field. On Monday, Simpson, along with safety Bray Hubbard, was announced as an ambassador for a new line of Crimson Tide apparel, marking a significant NIL partnership for the duo.

The latest addition to Alabama’s Crimson Tide Outdoors program is an official camouflage pattern, blending the school’s iconic branding with a rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic. The move taps into the deep-rooted hunting and fishing culture in Alabama, giving fans a fresh way to rep their team beyond the traditional crimson and white.

Simpson, a redshirt junior, has been battling for the starting quarterback job heading into the 2025 season. While he hasn’t locked down the QB1 role just yet, he’s positioned himself well in the competition. Last season, he threw for 167 yards, completing 64.3% of his passes, while adding 44 rushing yards on the ground.

Hubbard, meanwhile, has been a steady presence in Alabama’s secondary, bringing versatility and leadership to the defense. His involvement in the NIL deal highlights the growing opportunities for players beyond just the marquee names.

For Simpson, this partnership is more than just an endorsement, it’s a chance to connect with Alabama fans in a new way. As he continues to fight for the starting job, his presence in the NIL space shows he’s embracing the modern era of college football, where branding and business go hand in hand with performance on the field.

With Alabama’s season opener just months away, Simpson’s focus remains on football. But come fall, don’t be surprised if you see plenty of Alabama fans rocking the new camo gear, thanks in part to their quarterback’s latest venture.

On Monday, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson made a significant announcement regarding his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) endeavors. The former five-star recruit revealed that he has entered into a multi-year NIL agreement with Harbin Automotive, a Ford and Chevrolet dealership based in Scottsboro, Alabama. As part of this partnership, Simpson will receive a new Ford or Chevrolet truck every several months in exchange for promoting Harbin through social media campaigns, meet-and-greet events, and potentially future advertising initiatives .

This deal is a testament to Simpson’s growing presence in the NIL landscape. With over 43,000 social media followers, he holds an On3 NIL Valuation of \$666,000, ranking him 60th in their Top 100 list . His NIL portfolio also includes partnerships with Amazon Prime, Electronic Arts for the EA College Football 2025 game, and the Yea Alabama NIL collective .

Harbin Automotive’s owner, Win Harbin, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing that character and integrity are core values of their 85-year-old family business. He praised Simpson for embodying these qualities and is excited about the collaboration for the upcoming season and beyond .

Simpson’s announcement underscores the evolving nature of college athletics, where athletes are increasingly leveraging their personal brands through NIL opportunities. This trend not only benefits the athletes financially but also enhances their visibility and marketability in the sports industry.

On Monday, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson made a significant announcement that highlights the continuing evolution of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college football. The former five-star recruit revealed that he has entered into a multi-year NIL agreement with Harbin Automotive, a prominent Ford and Chevrolet dealership based in Scottsboro, Alabama.

This partnership is not just another NIL deal—it’s a defining moment for a player who has been patiently waiting in the wings at one of college football’s most prestigious programs. As Alabama prepares for a new chapter post-Nick Saban, Simpson’s growing profile off the field could signal bigger opportunities on it.

The Deal: Trucks, Promotions, and Long-Term Ties
The terms of the NIL deal involve Simpson receiving a brand-new Ford or Chevrolet truck every few months in exchange for his promotional services. He will promote Harbin Automotive via social media campaigns, public appearances, meet-and-greets, and possibly future TV or digital advertising initiatives. The partnership appears tailored to Simpson’s brand—a mix of Southern roots, leadership, and clean-cut marketability.

The dealership’s owner, Win Harbin, expressed immense enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that Harbin Automotive, a family-owned business with 85 years of service, values character and integrity above all.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Ty. He’s someone who reflects our values, both on and off the field,” Harbin said in a press statement. “He’s got great character, an incredible work ethic, and we believe he’s just getting started.”

For Harbin Automotive, it’s a strategic move. College athletes in the NIL era represent a new type of influencer: one with deep regional loyalty, built-in fan support, and viral social media presence.

Simpson’s Growing NIL Portfolio
This deal adds to an already impressive NIL resume for Simpson. With over 43,000 followers on social media and a rapidly expanding brand, his On3 NIL Valuation is estimated at $666,000, placing him within the Top 100 athletes in NIL earnings potential.

Some of his other NIL affiliations include:

Amazon Prime: Sponsored content and merchandise promotions

Electronic Arts: Featured as part of the EA Sports College Football 2025 game promotion

Yea Alabama NIL Collective: Alabama’s official NIL collective providing structured opportunities for athletes

Simpson’s off-field success is particularly notable considering he has not yet been a full-time starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide. That alone speaks volumes about the value of branding in the NIL space—performance is a factor, but so is poise, visibility, and alignment with consumer values.

From Backup QB to NIL Leader
Simpson entered Alabama as part of the 2022 recruiting class and was a consensus five-star recruit, ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee and brought with him not just talent, but also high expectations as a potential heir to the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young.

So far, Simpson has played sparingly behind starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, who emerged as a dual-threat standout during the 2023 season. Yet, within the Alabama program and among analysts, Simpson continues to be viewed as a valuable asset with a high ceiling.

His NIL appeal, however, isn’t purely based on football potential. Simpson has shown savvy in managing his brand, aligning with partners that mirror his clean image and hometown appeal. Unlike some athletes chasing flashier, short-term paydays, Simpson has opted for partnerships that appear more organic and values-based.

Harbin Automotive: A New Kind of NIL Sponsor
For businesses like Harbin Automotive, NIL presents a unique opportunity to tie local relevance with national reach. Simpson, while not yet a household name nationally, commands regional loyalty. That matters—especially in football-rich states like Alabama, where local athletes carry as much marketing sway as professionals.

By partnering with a dealership rooted in community trust and family legacy, Simpson reinforces his image as someone connected to his Southern roots. At the same time, the dealership gets the chance to market itself in a forward-thinking way, appealing to both traditional customers and a younger generation.

“NIL is more than just writing a check,” said one Alabama-based marketing consultant familiar with the deal. “It’s about creating brand ambassadors. Ty is the kind of player who can walk into a dealership, shake hands, take pictures, and leave everyone feeling good. That has lasting value.”

The Larger NIL Landscape: College QBs at the Center
Simpson’s NIL rise is part of a broader trend: quarterbacks are dominating the NIL earnings charts. According to On3, nearly half of the top 25 highest NIL earners are quarterbacks. They are typically the face of the program, often featured in media campaigns, and most frequently mentioned in broadcasts.

Some of the top earners include:

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) – NIL Valuation over $4 million

Arch Manning (Texas) – Around $2.8 million

Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – Over $1 million

While Simpson’s valuation doesn’t approach those figures yet, his growth is notable given his current role as a backup. As he continues to develop—and potentially sees more time on the field—his value could climb rapidly.

A Strategic Play for the Future
Simpson’s latest NIL deal may also have strategic implications. With Alabama transitioning into the Kalen DeBoer era following Nick Saban’s retirement, the quarterback position is very much under the microscope.

Simpson’s name remains firmly in the mix for the starting role. While Milroe is the favorite, insiders have noted that Simpson has been impressive in practice and has the full trust of Alabama’s coaching staff.

Should he see meaningful playing time in 2025, the NIL deal with Harbin could serve as a launching pad for broader national visibility. Truck partnerships, in particular, resonate well in Southern and Midwestern markets, where trucks symbolize lifestyle as much as utility.

Social Media and Athlete Marketing
Much of NIL’s power lies in social media. With 43,000 followers across Instagram and Twitter/X, Simpson has a built-in marketing platform that allows brands to reach tens of thousands instantly.

He uses social media in a curated, measured way—sharing training highlights, team-focused content, faith-centered messages, and occasional lifestyle glimpses. That authenticity is what brands like Harbin Automotive look for.

It’s also what differentiates long-term NIL winners from flash-in-the-pan deals. Players like Simpson, who present as disciplined, family-oriented, and committed to their team, often draw brands that want more than a 30-second ad—they want a real ambassador.

The Economic Impact: What Athletes Are Earning
Simpson’s estimated valuation of $666,000 places him in a lucrative category of college athletes who now earn more than many entry-level NFL players. But more importantly, he’s building a sustainable brand that may continue even beyond football.

Some other financial data points:

Average NIL deal for a starting Power Five quarterback: ~$150,000/year

NIL collectives in the SEC are now raising between $5 million to $15 million annually

Athletes with over 50,000 followers can command $5,000+ per Instagram post

While the numbers vary greatly, what’s clear is that Simpson is positioning himself not just as a player—but as a young entrepreneur.