Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendonza has taken the college football world by storm this season. After spending two seasons with the California State Golden Bears, he transferred to join Curt Cignetti. Now, he is a Heisman Trophy winner and is widely expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why Does One Former NFL QB Think Teams Are All In on Fernando Mendoza?
When former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel shares his thoughts on quarterback play, people in the league pay attention. His recent comments about Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza caught the attention of fans across the NFL.
“Fernando Mendoza never seems to have his eyes in the wrong place,” Daniel wrote. “The way he was able to get this throw up and down is what NFL teams dream of. Clearest No. 1 pick in a while.”
It was a bold statement, but it matches how people in the NFL are talking about Mendoza as the 2026 draft gets closer.
Mendoza’s journey makes his success even more impressive. He was a three-star recruit out of high school and started at Cal before transferring to Indiana. After that, he had one of the most dominant seasons the Big Ten has seen in recent years.
Indiana went undefeated, won the conference title, and Mendoza took home the Heisman Trophy. And tonight, Mendoza will have an opportunity to earn a National championship for Indiana.
Is Sean McDermott the right coach for the Las Vegas Raiders? He’s a former DC for the Eagles and Panthers. Raiders need a head coach to develop Fernando Mendoza, and McDermott did well with Josh Allen. #RaiderNation
— Aaron (@aarondevandry) January 19, 2026
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza fits the mold of a classic pocket passer. But his skills go beyond his size. He stands out because he stays calm and makes quick, smart decisions after the snap. He reads defenses well and rarely turns the ball over.
That focus with his eyes is what Daniel was talking about. Mendoza almost always knows where to throw the ball and gets it there on time.
What Shows Up on Film
Mendoza’s biggest strength is how quickly he processes the game. He reads defenses well and moves smoothly in the pocket. He keeps his feet moving and makes quick decisions, which helps him a lot in the pass game.
He can drive the ball outside the numbers, and he has a good touch on the ball, which allows him to layer throws over linebackers and take velocity when needed. Far hash throws and back shoulder fades show up regularly on tape, and they look routine for him.
Mendoza also deals with pressure better than most college quarterbacks. Mendoza can spot blitzers, stay calm under pressure, and is willing to take a hit to make a throw. Even when he has to move, he keeps his form and throws accurately.
He’s not a true running quarterback, but he’s athletic enough to avoid sacks and pick up first downs. He can keep plays alive without losing control, which NFL coaches appreciate as much as pure speed.
Where He Can Still Improve
There are still things he can improve. Teams won’t design a running game around Mendoza at quarterback. His mobility works, but it’s not a major strength.
He can also get better at moving defenders with his eyes after the snap. If he holds linebackers and safeties just a little longer, he’ll create bigger openings in the NFL.
Scouts are also watching how he communicates before the snap. When facing confusing defenses, Mendoza can improve at spotting blitzers and helping set up protection. These skills will be important as NFL defenses get more complicated.
The Big Picture
Right now, most people see Mendoza as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Many compare him to Matt Ryan, but with a bit more ability to move outside the pocket.
When a former NFL quarterback agrees with what scouts are saying, it backs up the hype. Fernando Mendoza isn’t just a standout college quarterback; he looks like a future NFL starter.
