Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has received no shortage of offseason buzz since arriving in Bloomington. Multiple NFL Draft projections have tabbed Mendoza as a potential first-round pick, while Big Ten and national pundits have become intrigued with Mendoza's blend of size, talent, production and potential.
On Friday, Mendoza added another high mark to his offseason praise as ESPN named him one of the top quarterback prospects to know for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza was included as part of a star signal-caller group including Penn State's Drew Allar, Miami's Carson Beck, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Texas' Arch Manning, and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.
"Mendoza arrives at Indiana after being the hub of Cal's offense in 2024, throwing for 3,004 passing yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions," wrote ESPN's Jordan Reid. "He has a snappy release that helps the ball come out of his hand with plenty of life. Mendoza is a precise passer who puts the ball in the proper place for his receivers, as evidenced by his FBS-best 5.1% off-target percentage last season. He is effective throwing from inside or outside the framework of the offense, ranking ninth in the FBS with a 91.1 QBR on throws outside of the pocket. He also excels at identifying and attacking advantageous one-on-one coverage situations."
Mendoza's transition from the ACC to the Big Ten, where defenses will be deeper and more talented, will be monitored closely. But with an upgraded offensive line and skill positions to work with at Indiana, plus Curt Cignetti's long track record of success with transfer quarterbacks, Mendoza is on the shortlist of breakout candidates this fall.
"Mendoza's escapability and effectiveness throwing from outside the pocket can lead to him being impatient and breaking the pocket prematurely," Reid wrote. "He needs to have more patience in letting concepts unfold, especially now that he will face upgraded defenses in the Big Ten. But Indiana's offense is eerily similar to what he operated at Cal, giving Mendoza a chance to be a breakout candidate in 2025."
Mendoza played behind one of the worst Power Four offensive lines last season at Cal, which often forced him to make unconventional plays. That doesn't project to be the case at Indiana as it returns threw offensive line starters (OT Carter Smith, IOL Bray Lynch, IOL Drew Evans) and added three Power Four transfers (C Pat Coogan, OT Zen Michalski, IOL Kahlil Benson).
Mendoza will also have more playmakers at his disposal as the Hoosiers brought back top-two leading receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., added Holden Staes and Riley Nowakowski at tight end, and paired Maryland transfer running back Roman Hemby with returning senior Kaelon Black and UAB transfer Lee Beebe Jr.
Indiana's quarterback play last season with Kurtis Rourke, who developed into a 7th round NFL Draft pick, led to one of the nation's most productive and efficient offenses. Mendoza will aim to follow in those same footsteps, and if he does successfully, there's a chance Mendoza here's his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
READ: Buckle up, the Fernando Mendoza hype train is taking off and Indiana is along for the ride