Alabama quarterback Ty Sampson didn’t mince words.
In an NFL Draft class that many view as having only one quarterback who is definitely worth selecting in the first round, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Sampson issued a strong reminder to teams during the NFL Combine.
NFL Draft 2026: Ty Sampson makes his case
Alabama QB Ty Simpson's "J-E-T-S" Moment Goes Viral After Pre-Draft Meeting
Alabama QB Ty Simpson’s “J-E-T-S” Moment Goes Viral After Pre-Draft Meeting (Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
At the NFL Combine, Sampson’s press conference was highlighted by three words.
“I’m a franchise quarterback,” Sampson told reporters.
Over the course of the next month, during Alabama’s Pro Day, and private visits with teams across the league, Sampson will look to back up that strong talk.
“First off, I think I’m ready, I’m a franchise quarterback,” Sampson told reporters. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”
Sampson passed for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns to five interceptions last season, and is widely viewed as the second-best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Whether Sampson is the second quarterback off the board, or even chosen in the first round at all, is one of the more compelling storylines in what is an overall down quarterback draft class.
Arizona Cardinals, Ty Simpson, NFL
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) hands off the ball to Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kevin Riley (28) on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3.