2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Indiana’s Quarterback Fernando Mendoza

Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza is only a junior, but he’s been turning heads since the start of the season, and if his performance continues this way, he may just sneak into next year’s first round discussions. The tale of the tape on Mendoza screams prototypical NFL quarterback—he’s 6’5” and 225 lbs. with one of the strongest arms in this class. 

For those who are unfamiliar with Mendoza, he’s had a circuitous route to Indiana. He was first tabbed to go to Yale but switched when he received an offer from Cal to play in Berkeley. After his stint on the West Coast, Mendoza transferred to Indiana before the 2025 season, hoping to showcase his skills against some of college football’s best in the Big Ten Conference. He’s already been tested this year, taking on the likes of a ranked Illinois team, and has piqued the interests of scouts and draftniks alike.

So far in 2025, Mendoza has thrown for 14 scores and zero interceptions. Against the Illini, he logged 267 years and five touchdowns, with a near flawless performance. 

Strengths

Mendoza may prove to be the most accurate passer in the class of quarterbacks when all is said and done. He has the arm strength to attack all levels of the defense and is poised in the pocket as if he were a redshirt senior. He delivers the ball accurately and timely on short, intermediate, and sideline passes like a professional, and his frame is built to withstand the rigors of the NFL game. 

Mendoza is a smart player with a quick release, and his high football IQ will show on the field and off of it. He’s effective in reading defenses, learning quickly and he uses this to pick apart defenses and limit mistakes. 

Weaknesses

Many will question Mendoza’s experience and the level of competition he’s played against to date, which is why his transfer to the Big Ten will affect his draft stock so much. By year’s end, he will have had to run a gauntlet of ranked teams, proving his mettle against stiffer competition. And although this is not a weakness, it may be a point of emphasis as Mendoza does have eligibility left and may choose to stay in school for another year. 

Also, Mendoza tends to hold onto the ball longer than he should, which will lead to more sacks in the pros. And he can stand to add some muscle and functional weight before getting to the next level. He’s had a history of injuries, and taking some time in the dietician’s office and in the weight room will help. 

Conclusion 

Mendoza is a true wild card in this draft. If he continues to perform effectively against Big Ten competition, he could be considered as a first-round selection. Some scouting services have him listed as high as the third-best quarterback prospect in this draft, while others have him coming off the board in the second round.

He is the total package, though. He has size, arm strength, accuracy, a pro-ready pocket presence, and a high football IQ, which will lend itself to becoming a pro quickly. He’s not gifted with the most talented team in Indiana, so performing well week in and week out will be tough. That said, Draft Nation expects Mendoza to come off the board late in the first round if he chooses to come out, perhaps to a team that can give him the time he needs to physically mature and learn behind a veteran before taking over the reins of the team in year two.