Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is continuing to receive significant first-round buzz in the 2026 NFL Draft. After transferring from Cal prior to this season, Mendoza has emerged as a Heisman frontrunner with a 71.2 percent completion rate, 1,423 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, two interceptions and an 84.6 QB rating.
Multiple updated 2026 NFL mock drafts project Mendoza as a consensus top-two selection and the first quarterback drafted. CBS Sports' latest projection has Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the New York Jets.
Wrote CBS Sports draft analyst Josh Edwards: "There may not be a clear-cut favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection in next April's draft, but Fernando Mendoza is a qualified candidate. He plays with a ton of poise and has proven capable of making any throw on the football field."
ESPN's latest mock draft is just as high on Mendoza as he's also projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Jets. Mendoza is mocked as the first of four quarterbacks to be selected in the first round along with Oregon's Dante Moore, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Alabama's Ty Simpson.
Wrote ESPN's Jordan Reid: "The Jets are 0-6, and their offense is among the NFL's worst. Justin Fields hasn't worked out to this point, and New York needs more than just a franchise quarterback. It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy."
Pro Football Focus' updated mock draft projects Mendoza to be the second quarterback selected at No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns. Alabama's Simpson is slotted just ahead of Mendoza, going No. 1 overall the New York Jets.
Wrote Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema: "Mendoza had some fans coming into the season after showing some promise in 2024 at Cal – though he did produce more turnover-worthy plays than big-time throws. This season at Indiana, he's taken his game to a more consistent level with five big-time throws, three turnover-worthy plays and an 81.0 passing grade. He also might have the best overall arm talent of the top quarterbacks right now, outside of South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers."
Mendoza is among the nation's best quarterbacks this season, leading the Big Ten in touchdown passes (17) and ranking seventh nationally in quarterback rating (84.6) The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder has added 133 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Mendoza's strong start to the 2025 season has helped Indiana to an undefeated 6-0 record with wins against Illinois, at Iowa and at then-No. 3 Oregon. The Miami, Fla., native has been named a Midseason All-American selection by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated.