The New York Jets dispatched their entire front office to Happy Valley for a third look at Fernando Mendoza.General manager Darren Mougey, Rick Speilman, and two of their top scouts/directors attended the Indiana Hoosiers’ game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, according touSTADIUM.
Jets have their entire brain trust (GM Darren Mougey, Rick Speilman, and 2 of their top scouts/directors) at Happy Valley today to get an up close look at Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as he faces Penn State.
This is the 3rd time the Jets have been in-person to see Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/wrITQcKbhB
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 8, 2025
Jordan Reid of ESPN confirmed that the Jets had a heavy contingent in attendance at the Indiana/Penn State matchup. He identified quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a notable name prospect in that game.
#Jets GM Darren Mougey and senior football advisor, Rick Spielman, are among a heavy contingent from team in attendance at the Indiana/Penn State game today. QB Fernando Mendoza is a notable name prospect in that match up.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 8, 2025
Indiana kept their 10-0 undefeated season alive with a 27-24 victory over Penn State in Happy Valley. Mendoza didn’t play his best game statistically but delivered when it mattered most.
The quarterback finished 19-of-30 for 218 passing yards with one passing touchdown and one interception. He also contributed 20 rushing yards with a rushing score.
Mendoza answered with clutch play in crunch time. With less than two minutes remaining, he orchestrated a 10-play 73-yard drive. On third and goal from the seven-yard line, Mendoza hit wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr for one of the highlight plays of the college football season.
Jake Asman of ESPN radio expressed enthusiasm after the performance. “I am fully prepared to campaign for Fernando Mendoza to the Jets. Let’s ride,” Asman posted.
I am fully prepared to campaign for Fernando Mendoza to the Jets. Let’s ride.
pic.twitter.com/1OHQBtooV3
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) November 8, 2025
The Optimistic Jets account acknowledged the rough stretches while praising the finish. “Not the best Fernando Mendoza game but man that 2-minute drive was SPECIAL. O-line doing him no favors and he made some fantastic throws. Mougey has to love what he saw there.”
Not the best Fernando Mendoza game but man that 2-minute drive was SPECIAL. O-line doing him no favors and he made some fantastic throws. Mougey has to love what he saw there. #Jets
— Optimistic Jets (@OptimisticJets) November 8, 2025
Connor Long of Jets X-Factor focused on the signature moment. “Yeah, Fernando Mendoza had some rough stretches today — definitely not his sharpest outing. But… that final drive? Ice in his veins. That’s the kind of moment that screams QB1 and Heisman buzz. Perfect fit for Tanner Engstrand’s offense. The Jets might’ve found their guy.”
Yeah, Fernando Mendoza had some rough stretches today — definitely not his sharpest outing.
But… that final drive? Ice in his veins.
That’s the kind of moment that screams QB1 and Heisman buzz.
Perfect fit for Tanner Engstrand’s offense. The #Jets might’ve found their guy.
— Connor Long (@connor_long15) November 8, 2025
The Jets walked out of Happy Valley knowing Mendoza can deliver in pressure moments. That late drive displayed the poise New York values.
New York Jets Positioned for Draft Dominance With Five Picks
The Jets are armed and dangerous after a seismic week of blockbuster trades. They boast five future first-round draft choices over the next two offseasons.
If the 2026 NFL draft started today, the Jets would hold the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, according toTankathon. Only the 1-8 Tennessee Titans and 1-8 New Orleans Saints currently sit in front of New York.
Tennessee took quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They wouldn’t take a passer in the first round again. New Orleans poses a real threat to the Jets landing their preferred quarterback.
That situation will likely resolve itself when the Jets travel to play the Saints in Week 16. The result of that game will have major draft implications for both franchises.
Just a reminder for #Jets fans:
Jared Goff has been to a Super Bowl and multiple conference title game appearances.
If Fernando Mendoza’s NFL comp is Goff (which I agree with), NY should be THRILLED.
Loved what I’ve seen from him all year.
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) November 8, 2025
Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor previously compared Mendoza’s NFL projection to Jared Goff. “Just a reminder for Jets fans: Jared Goff has been to a Super Bowl and multiple conference title game appearances. If Fernando Mendoza’s NFL comp is Goff (which I agree with), NY should be THRILLED. Loved what I’ve seen from him all year,” Faria posted on X.
The Jets’ roster and draft capital put them in contention, and Fernando Mendoza offers a potential game-changing edge. Their next matchup with the Saints could influence the team’s trajectory and future draft plans.