2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)

6’5″ – 225 lbs.

Background

Originally attended the University of California, where he redshirted in 2022, then started eight games the following year, going 3-5 and finishing with 1,708 yards (63.0%, 7.0 YPA), fourteen touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Went 6-5 as the starter there the next year, with 3,004 yards (68.7%, 7.8), sixteen touchdowns, and six interceptions. Transferred to Indiana and won the Heisman this past year, leading the Hoosiers to a national championship and 16-0 season. On the year, totaled 3,535 yards (72.0%, 9.3 YPA), 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding seven rushing touchdowns.

Positives

Tall quarterback who holds a 25-10 career record between two programs, culminating in his outstanding 2025 campaign. Has clean dropbacks without a heel click, and shows a stable base when working from the pocket. Comes from an offense with some pro-style elements, and which required him to work through progressions on a regular basis. Smart quarterback who makes good decisions with the ball. Has a smooth stroke with a high release point and good elasticity in his arm; also drops his arm angle as appropriate to work around defenders. Transfers weight effectively to drive throws toward the sidelines, with a tight spiral and pretty good zip on the ball. Shows impressive, consistent accuracy to all three levels of the field. Has the confidence to attack downfield and give his receivers a chance to make a play. Throws a catchable ball with pretty good touch, and is able to layer it over defenders. Able to escape pressure and extend the play, with plus flexibility. Throws accurately while moving to his right, and the team sometimes moved the pocket by design. Not the most dynamic athlete, but has enough juice to pick up the occasional first down with his feet. Knows when to throw the ball away or take a sack, rather than compounding a bad situation, and shows good two-hand ball security when on the move. Competitive toughness is impressive.

Negatives

Physical and athletic tools are good but not great. Biggest issue is a lack of ideal patience and composure in the pocket, with an internal clock that’s a bit fast. Can sometimes flee prematurely, when it was still possible for him to hang back and continue to read the defense. Furthermore, that occasionally results in running himself into trouble when trying to escape. At times, would have liked to see him get a little bit more loft under some of his deep shots.

Summary

One of the cleaner quarterback prospects in recent memory, he offers an impressive combination of prototypical size, high-end decision-making, solid arm talent, and excellent accuracy which should allow him to become an effective pro passer sooner rather than later. While it would be nice to see more consistent confidence to stay in the pocket and work through reads, there really aren’t many flaws to his game, although he may not have quite the same upside as some recent top picks at the position. After his undefeated 2025 campaign culminating in the Heisman and a national championship, is currently the favorite to go number one overall on draft day.

Projection: Round 1