With Aaron Rodgers signed to a one-year contract, it would be no surprise to see the Pittsburgh Steelers select a quarterback in the 2026 draft. Rodgers likely doesn’t have more than two years remaining in his NFL career, with Pittsburgh taking the cautious approach when they signed him to a one-year deal.
What Makes This Draft Prospect a Potential Steelers Quarterback of the Future?
After a 3,000-yard passing season in 2024, Fernando Mendoza is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 draft. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson projects Mendoza going to Pittsburgh with the No. 14 overall pick, though the 2025 season could shift things. The Miami, Fla., native led the Golden Bears to a 6-6 record, while the team’s season ended in a bowl game loss to No. 24 UNLV.
Mendoza didn’t play in the bowl game due to illness. He also missed the team’s regular-season finale against No. 9 SMU, a 38-6 loss. After three seasons in California, Mendoza transferred to Indiana, where he’ll face a steep increase in competition in the Big Ten.
Wilson describes Mendoza as a quarterback who can handle pressure while maintaining accuracy. The 6-foot-5 signal-caller threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 while completing 68.7% of his passes. His mobility sets him apart from traditional pocket passers, as he rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns during the 2024 season.
For anyone who thinks #iufb will take a step back this year in QB play…
CBS Sports has projected Fernando Mendoza as a top 15 pick and the 3rd best QB prospect in the 2026 draft
ESPN and Pro Football Focus both have Mendoza as a top 10 prospect with a serious amount of upside pic.twitter.com/vcJzAcAuAy
— TorresOnIndiana (@TorresOnIndiana) June 16, 2025
Wilson describes Mendoza as a “pocket passer but not a statue; he buys time with subtle pocket movements, excels off-platform and when needed, can stride out in open field. Will get through reads while hanging in a pocket closing in around him. Consistently played with pressure in his face, yet consistently stood tall in the pocket and delivered strikes to all three levels on time and accurately.”
Wilson praises Mendoza’s toughness and football IQ, noting that he makes smart decisions even when the pocket starts to collapse.
“Ball consistently comes out on time and with touch/accuracy to all three levels,” Wilson added. “Good feel for pocket pressure, can climb with eyes downfield and deliver accurately off-platform.”
Mendoza’s composure under pressure and ability to deliver accurate throws even when the pocket closes in set him apart. These qualities were tested during his most challenging matchups of 2024.
What Did Mendoza Show Against Top Competition in 2024?
No one can take away Mendoza’s performances against No. 8 Miami and No. 22 Pittsburgh in 2024. California had a tough stretch of back-to-back games against ranked opponents, losing by three combined points in those two contests. Mendoza went 11 of 22 for 285 yards with two touchdowns and an interception as he matched up against Cam Ward and Miami.
He added 20 rushing yards in that game before going 27 of 37 for 272 yards and a touchdown the following week against Pittsburgh. Though Cal lost both contests by slim margins, Mendoza’s performances showcased his composure and effectiveness against top competition.
With California behind him, Mendoza will have his work cut out for him in key road games at Oregon and Penn State in 2025. The Big Ten presents a different challenge from more physical defenses and hostile road environments.
In Wilson’s mock draft, he projects LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier going No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Saints. PFSN’s Max Dorsey. In his recent mock draft, Nussmeier potentially falling to the Steelers, the only other quarterback, Wilson, projects ahead of Mendoza, with Allar going No. 8 to the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2026 quarterback class could feature five first-round picks, making it one of the deepest positions in recent years. Mendoza’s combination of arm talent, mobility, and proven production against top competition puts him in the conversation for teams looking to find their franchise quarterback.
