The saga of Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers this season is nothing short of legendary. With an undefeated run culminating in a National Championship, the Hoosiers have etched their names into college football lore.
Leading the charge was Mendoza, who not only lifted the trophy but also claimed the Heisman, cementing his status as one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory. But is he truly a lock for the first overall pick?
Let’s dive into the details.
Starting as a three-star recruit from Columbus High School in Miami, Mendoza's journey is a tale of perseverance and growth. Initially committed to Yale, he switched gears to Cal, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Indiana in December 2024.
That’s when the magic truly began. This past season, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, boasting a TD/INT ratio of 41/6 and an impressive 72% completion rate.
He led the nation in touchdowns and QBR, ranking fourth in completion percentage.
Mendoza's game tape reveals a quarterback thriving in a system tailored for success. His ability to layer throws and fit passes into tight windows with precision and touch is remarkable.
His mechanics are consistently sharp, even under pressure, and he releases the ball with a quick snap. In the red zone, he’s a maestro, avoiding interceptions since 2024.
His sideline throws, especially the back shoulder passes, are often spot-on, and his timing on out routes is impeccable.
However, there are questions about whether Mendoza is a product of a quarterback-friendly RPO scheme. He excels in making the right reads and hitting short targets, but his playmaking ability is somewhat limited.
While he can move, his improvisational skills aren’t standout, and his deep throws lack the necessary punch, often falling short and forcing receivers to adjust. His passing on the run is also not his strongest suit.
The Las Vegas Raiders, desperate for a quarterback, seem poised to draft Mendoza. Yet, the debate over his potential remains.
While he could be a solid league-average starter, his ceiling may not be as high as some hope. The concerns about his arm talent and ability to overcome certain limitations are real.
For those grading him as a third-round talent, the idea of picking him first overall is daunting. Mendoza offers a high floor, but his ceiling might be lower than desired for a top pick.