Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB

QB| 2026
January 20, 2026•2 min read

Headshot of Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB

  • Tape Grade: RD 1 (9.00 - Plus Starter)

  • Draft Range: Top 5

  • NFL Position-Type: QB - Pocket Passer

  • Pro style comp: Kirk Cousins

Image copyright ESPN. Kim gives him a 3-star smile rating.

Strengths

  • Good accuracy; rarely off-target, but not necessarily leading his receivers with the ball.

  • Throws with good anticipation at the top of the route.

  • Good power on the arm and throws a well placed deep ball.

  • Works well through his progressions and rarely gets stuck on his first read.

  • Responds well under pressure and keeps the eyes downfield.

  • Takes what the defense provides and does not play hero ball.

  • Plays tough - willing to sacrifice his body to make the right play (run or pass).

  • Saw him overcome a rough start in the B10 Championship game (gets rocked in the first play of the game, and loses his #1 receiver in the first drive) and continue to deliver without getting flighty or nervous. You also see this composure in the championship game against Miami where his OL is getting trashed, and he continues to be that steady presence in the pocket.

Concerns/Weaknesses

  • Athleticism is good enough to effectively maneuver but not enough to be a running threat.

  • Almost every single snap I watched was in shotgun, and with a heavy dose of RPO. It will be interesting to see him translate to a more robust NFL offense.

  • The arm talent is good, but is not going to blow anyone away.

  • Does have a tendency to take some unnecessary sacks.

Key Statistics / Notes

  • Career Games started: 35

  • QBR: 90.3

  • Yards per Completion: 13.0

  • INT to TD: 1.7%

  • Completion: 73.0%

  • Won the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Heisman.

  • Since 2023 (not counting the playoff):

    • In the red zone, he has 53 total TDs (43 pass, 10 rush) and 1 INT.

    • Has a 15:0 TD:INT ratio on seven-plus man blitzes.

Summary

Mendoza has the proto-typical NFL size of a starting QB, and has all the skills necessary to be a good starter in the NFL. There are some questions about ceiling and translating to a more pro-style offense, but this is a player that is worthy of the #1 pick in April.

2025 Games Watched: Illinois, Oregon, Iowa, Ohio State, Miami

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