In college football, true quarterback talent can sometimes fly under the radar. Few players exemplify this better than Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, a breakout star who has steadily developed into a top NFL prospect. For the New York Jets, seeking a potential franchise quarterback, Mendoza presents an intriguing option near the top of the draft.
From Cal to Indiana: Steady Development
Mendoza began his college career at Cal, where he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons honing his skills at a high level in the competitive Pac-12. Though his early stats, 1,708 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions as a freshman, weren’t flashy, film reviewers saw the tools that matter: size, mobility, mechanics, and leadership.
By his sophomore year, Mendoza had grown into a reliable starter, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 16 touchdowns to six interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes. While not nationally hyped, his poise and ability to elevate teammates made him a quietly effective leader for the Golden Bears.
The Transfer Portal and Indiana Emergence
After transferring to Indiana, Mendoza became an immediate impact player. Now the Hoosiers’ starting quarterback, he’s guiding them to a 9–0 start with key wins over top-ranked opponents. His stats are equally impressive: 2,124 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 72% completion rate, plus 220 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, yielding a 185.2 passer rating according to ESPN.
This combination of passing efficiency, mobility, and leadership has cemented Mendoza as one of college football’s most compelling prospects and a potential early pick for teams like the Jets in need of a franchise QB.
NFL Fit: Why the Jets Should Take Notice
Mendoza isn’t just a statistical standout; he has the traits NFL teams covet in a young quarterback.
Strengths:
- High football IQ: Quick post-snap processing and rapid decision-making allow him to operate effectively under pressure.
- Arm talent: Mendoza can adjust velocity, touch, and trajectory, enabling him to fit multiple NFL offensive schemes.
- Athleticism: While not a burner, he moves well in the pocket, can extend plays, and reads defenses effectively on the run.
Areas to Improve:
- Eye manipulation: Mendoza can continue to develop his ability to manipulate second and third-level defenders with his eyes.
- Line adjustments: Identifying free rushers and adjusting protections at the line of scrimmage will be critical to translating his game to the NFL.
The Verdict: A Smart Draft Option
Whether Mendoza becomes a Heisman trophy winner or not, his trajectory signals a quarterback ready for the next level. He’s not a system QB riding a hot streak: he’s a well-rounded prospect who has grown through adversity, adapted to new systems, and performed against top-tier competition.
For the Jets, searching for a quarterback cornerstone, Mendoza represents a potential franchise-changing selection: a player with polished fundamentals, strong decision-making, and room to grow in the NFL. Not the most flashy in having elite tools, but more so above average to good in just about everything. A great example of a high-floor player who still has a lot of room to grow, given his collegiate trajectory and experience.
He has been a significant contributor to the Indiana football resurgence, along with his Coach, Curt Cignetti. They’ve completed the full transformation for the program, turning Indiana from a “basketball school” into a national football powerhouse. His story isn’t an overnight phenomenon. He’s been building toward this moment, and the Jets would be wise to take notice.