Height: 6-5

Weight: 225

Year: RS Junior

Pro Comparison: Matt Ryan

2026 NFL Combine Results

Pros of Fernando Mendoza

• Three-year starter playing between Indiana and Cal; plenty of experience that matters a ton at the quarterback position, particularly in bigger games
• An artist working outside of the numbers; some of the better back shoulder work that you will ever see
• Quick and easy processor; excels in the quick game in terms of technique and ball placement (keeps the easy things easy)
• Overall accuracy to each level of the field is notable; he rarely ever puts wide receivers in compromised positions or throws to the wrong leverage
• A precision thrower who is lethal when he gets into a solid rhythm; When confidence grows, he rarely misses easy throws

Cons of Fernando Mendoza

• A modest athlete who was creative on the college level, but could struggle to translate on the NFL level
• Heavy RPO focus at Indiana has kept the progressions rudimentary; asked very little to work full field reads
• Can take some unnecessary shots when working outside of structure, especially when he tucks and runs
• Arm is solid-good for NFL standards, but nothing close to elite; there are some windows that Mendoza won’t want to test consistently on the next level

Background 

Mendoza prepped at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, under head coach Dave Dunn. He was tabbed as just the No. 72 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class, according to ESPN. Held offers from Cal, FIU, Yale, Lehigh, UPenn, and Bryant before choosing the Golden Bears. Mendoza ended up spending three seasons with the Cal program, including the final two years as the starter. In total, Mendoza played in 20 total games for the program, throwing for 4,712 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also added another 197 yards and four scores on the ground, completing 66 percent of his passes and throwing 16 interceptions. 

Following the 2024 college football season, Mendoza opted to utilize the transfer portal, ending up at Indiana with head coach Curt Cignetti. During his lone season in Bloomington, Mendoza rewrote the record books for the Hoosiers. In 16 games, he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns while guiding Indiana to a National Championship victory. Mendoza also rushed for an additional 276 yards and seven scores on the ground, while throwing just six interceptions and completing 72 percent of his passes. He chose to declare early for the 2026 NFL Draft following that historic season. 

Born on October 1, 2003, Mendoza will turn 23 during his first NFL season. Younger brother Alberto Mendoza was his backup quarterback during his one year with the Hoosiers. Alberto opted to transfer to Georgia Tech following the 2025 season had concluded.

Player Evaluation

After having positive signs during his first two seasons as a starter at Cal, Mendoza morphed into a legitimate first-round prospect during his lone season with the Hoosiers. At 6-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza has a prototype frame for an NFL pocket passer, having the wiry frame to stand firm inside of the pocket. Mendoza does his best work in the quick game, having a clean and easy stroke as a passer. Playing inside of a heavy RPO approach, he was asked to get the football out of his hands quickly with quick processing ability. When working the football outside of the numbers, Mendoza is as good as any quarterback that has come out over the last several years. Mendoza consistently throws to the proper leverage, showcasing good ball placement to every level of the field. 

As an athlete, Mendoza is good enough to work outside of structure at times. He has shown the willingness to tuck and run for additional yardage, having enough speed to pick up the occasional first down. Mendoza will function his best inside of structure, where he shows outstanding toughness to work against pressure. 

The biggest concern about Mendoza will be in terms of his ceiling. There is no question that he has the requisite size, arm strength, toughness, and intelligence to bring a sound floor to the table as a solid-good starter on the next level. Does he have the physical traits to ever be a true elevator on the next level? That is a much more important question. His arm strength is on a good level for NFL standards, but the ball can die on him at times when pressing vertically. There are also going to be some very real questions about how his athleticism will translate. Add in that Mendoza does come from that heavy RPO attack, and there are a fair amount of questions in terms of upside.

A to Z Rankings 

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 1st overall, QB1

A to Z Draft Grade: 9.75/10.00
Draft projection: Top 10

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