Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after a dominant 2025 season at Indiana, where he threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions on 72% completion. He led the Hoosiers to a perfect undefeated 13-0 regular season, Big Ten title, and CFP national championship.
Mendoza was admired for his good decisions and avoidance of bad moves. After a great season, the 22-year-old QB was considered the top choice for the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, a former quarterback, [reviewed Mendoza’s tape on First Take](https://x.com/MLFootball/status/2027104626776904165) on February 26, 2026. He focused on the first eight games, saying Mendoza’s play was “good but there’s a lot of underwhelming.”
Orlovsky added, “There aren’t a lot of big-time throws, there are a lot of clean pockets. There are a ton of RPOs and back-shoulder fades.” He added that Mendoza gets “spooked with his feet” when the first read is not open and becomes a runner unnecessarily.
The former QB compared Alabama’s Ty Simpson in 2025’s first eight games. Simpson threw for 2,850 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with arm power and composure. “Ty Simpson’s tape from Alabama, through the first eight games of the season, is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza’s.”Orlovsky remarked.
Ryan Clark Shuts Down Made-Up Racist Quote Tied to Fernando Mendoza’s No-Throw Combine Decision (Imagn Image)
Senior analyst Dan admitted he did not evaluate Mendoza’s full season, basing his assessment primarily on the first eight games.
From what he observed, Dan stated that Mendoza is “not there yet” when it comes to being considered the top overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Host Stephen A. Smith pushed back hard during the segment, defending Mendoza’s overall body of work and questioning Orlovsky’s narrow focus.
Stephen A. Smith criticized Dan Orlovsky, saying “You should be ashamed,” while highlighting Mendoza’s Heisman honor and championship run at Indiana.
Stephen A’s response forced Orlovsky to defend his tape-only method while admitting Mendoza’s late-season growth. “His season finishes strong, but he doesn’t make many big throws,” Dan noted.
The exchange showed the divide in QB evaluation, as Stephen A. Smith prioritizes results and leadership in high-stakes situations, while Orlovsky stresses isolated traits like arm strength and creation in Simpson’s early film.
This debate adds context to the 2026 draft, where Mendoza’s proven track record likely keeps him ahead, but Simpson’s upside could attract teams if workouts align with his early flashes.