Starting a new series here at Steelers Depot, where we will analyze top college quarterback performances weekly, including how their draft stock changes ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
INDIANA QB FERNANDO MENDOZA — STOCK UP
The Indiana Hoosiers stomped the Wisconsin Badgers, winning 31-7. QB #15 Fernando Mendoza played at a Heisman-worthy level after a couple of quiet performances. He completed 91.7 percent of his passes (22-of-24) for 299 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions while taking five sacks. Mendoza was surgical in the pocket, tearing apart the Badgers’ defense with tight window balls over the middle. He added four passing scores to give himself 30 passing touchdowns on the year. In what has been an underwhelming quarterback class this season, Mendoza is a bright spot. At this juncture, he is easily QB1.
ALABAMA QB TY SIMPSON — STOCK DOWN
The Alabama Crimson Tide fell at home to the Oklahoma Sooners, and QB #15 Ty Simpson had a shaky performance. He managed to complete 66.7 percent of his passes for 326 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His mistakes went a long way in deciding this contest. On the very first offensive drive, Simpson threw a pick-six to put Alabama in a 10-0 hole, which they managed to battle back from. Simpson remained shaky compared to his normally composed self, losing a game they should have won and putting their CFP hopes at risk.
OREGON QB DANTE MOORE — STOCK UP
The Oregon Ducks took care of business against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, winning 42-13. QB #5 Dante Moore had a strong game following two subpar outings. He completed 90 percent of his passes for 306 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. There were a couple of plays where Moore overthrew his intended receiver. But he also made some strong connections, including this touchdown strike to TE Kenyon Sadiq in the corner of the end zone.
BAYLOR QB SAWYER ROBERTSON — STOCK DOWN
The Baylor Bears fell to the Utah Utes 55-28. QB #13 Sawyer Robertson lit it up in terms of yards and touchdowns, throwing for 430 and three scores, but also threw two picks and completed 50 percent of his passes. Robertson struggled to develop consistency against Utah’s defense. He made big plays, but also couldn’t stay on the field and put drives together to keep the game more competitive. Still, with 3,210 yards and 29 touchdowns to nine interceptions, Robertson is one of the biggest producers at the position this season.
CLEMSON QB CADE KLUBNIK — STOCK NEUTRAL
The Clemson Tigers beat the Louisville Cardinals in a nail-biter, 20-19. QB #2 Cade Klubnik had a decent day, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 187 yards and zero touchdowns and zero interceptions while taking one sack. Clemson’s offense went through its rushing attack in this game, and Klubnik did a good job of keeping things on schedule while averaging just 5.5 yards per passing attempt. In what has been a down year for Clemson overall, Klubnik looks suited to be a late Day 2 or more of a Day 3 pick this coming spring if he declares.
OKLAHOMA QB JOHN MATEER — STOCK NEUTRAL
The Oklahoma Sooners beat the Alabama Crimson Tide on the road. QB #10 John Mateer led his team to victory despite a low offensive output, completing 65.2 percent of his passes for 138 yards with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He got it done with his legs by rushing for Oklahoma’s only offensive score in the contest. Mateer hasn’t been conventional when it comes to how he beats opposing defenses, but Oklahoma is sitting at 8-2 and is firmly in the CFP hunt.
SOUTH CAROLINA QB LANORRIS SELLERS — STOCK NEUTRAL
The South Carolina Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker to the Texas A&M Aggies, falling 31-30 after having a 30-3 lead at halftime. QB #16 LaNorris Sellers looked like the prospect that we wanted him to be at the start of the season in the first half, but he couldn’t lead his offense to another scoring drive in the second half to put the game away. Sellers completed 50 percent of his passes for 246 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while taking four sacks. These are uninspiring numbers for a passer with a 27-point lead needing to put the game away in the second half.
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