Fernando Mendoza is certainly the name that is attracting the most attention for the 2026 NFL Draft, with high expectations already set for how the Indiana quarterback will perform after winning the national title undefeated with a record 16-0.
Early analysis has already indicated that the QB has similarities to a specific former MVP, but an influential journalist went further, suggesting that Mendoza will begin his league career as an even greater prospect.
Colin Cowherd Points Out Similarities Between Fernando Mendoza and Matt Ryan
According to Colin Cowherd, Mendoza is a more “athletic” version of Matt Ryan at the beginning of his career, when he left Boston College for the NFL. The Heisman Trophy winner, the Indiana QB, had a historic season with 41 touchdowns before declaring for the NFL Draft.
“When I watch him here’s what I see: Bigger, stronger, more athletic version of Matt Ryan.”@colincowherd doesn’t understand the Fernando Mendoza doubters pic.twitter.com/uBm5zpEIiI
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 12, 2026
“I think most teams like the makeup, they like how much he’s (1:30) won, they like the accuracy, but is he physically what, you know, say Drake May was coming out of North Carolina, or Jaden Daniels was coming out of LSU, or Caleb Williams was coming out of USC, he’s not that. Okay, when I watch him, here’s what I see. Bigger, stronger, more athletic version of Matt Ryan.”, said Cowherd.
“That’s what he looks like. Well, Matt Ryan is ninth all-time in passing yards and top 10 all-time in touchdown passes, got to a Super Bowl and led 28 to three, has an MVP season behind him, 15 years for Pro Bowls, so add 30% to that. Because I think Mendoza is got, he’s a little bigger, he moves a little better, and I think he’s got a slightly stronger arm.”
Mendonza is a pocket passer with good game intelligence and the ability to read opposing defenses. In addition, he has good basic accuracy and can access all levels of the field, which are fundamental characteristics for a good QB in the league today.
Even though he is not a dual-threat, he is athletic enough to avoid sacks and gain yards with his legs when necessary. Despite this, the Indiana QB is raising doubts among some analysts over a few points.
Does Mendoza Have Any Weaknesses?
Despite his good passing accuracy, some college football analysts note that his arm strength and ball speed are average compared to those of other elite players today. In addition, Mendoza occasionally forces passes under tight coverage, and his accuracy on intermediate passes can be inconsistent.
Other analyses have highlighted Mendoza’s similarities to Joe Flacco in terms of size and passing motion, but the full discovery of his real potential will only occur after the 2026 NFL Draft, when he will probably be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, who rank No. 31 in the PFSN Offense Impact metric with an F grade.
