In the world of college football, the buzz around Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is palpable. With a Heisman Trophy and a national championship under his belt, Mendoza seems destined for the top spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yet, not everyone is sold on him being the No. 1 pick.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently shared his thoughts on Mendoza during an episode of First Take, expressing some reservations. Despite the accolades, Orlovsky's deep dive into Mendoza's early-season film left him less than impressed. He pointed out that while Mendoza shows flashes of brilliance, there are areas that raise questions.
Orlovsky noted Mendoza’s reliance on run pass options and back-shoulder fades, often benefiting from clean pockets that minimized pressure. This setup, while effective, may have limited the quarterback's exposure to adversity. Orlovsky questioned the frequency of high-level throws over the middle and observed instances where Mendoza opted to run instead of making clean reads.
“If you take away the RPOs and those back-shoulder fades, there’s just not a ton of big-time throws,” Orlovsky remarked. He did, however, praise Mendoza’s decision-making, calling it his “superpower,” as he consistently avoids negative plays. Still, when it comes to being the first overall pick, Orlovsky remains unconvinced.
In contrast, Orlovsky found Alabama’s Ty Simpson’s performances to be more impressive through his evaluations. However, he admitted he hasn't completed his full assessment of Mendoza’s season.
Despite Orlovsky's critique, Mendoza is still the consensus top prospect on most draft boards. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the No. 1 pick, are in dire need of a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza fits the bill.
New Raiders coach Klint Kubiak emphasized Mendoza’s winning mentality, stating, “He won a national championship and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”
Orlovsky’s skepticism adds an intriguing twist to what many thought was a settled debate. Whether his insights will influence the Raiders' decision or shift opinions remains to be seen.
For now, Mendoza has chosen to skip throwing at the NFL Combine, opting instead to showcase his skills at Indiana’s pro day on April 1. This decision will certainly keep scouts and analysts on their toes as they await further evaluations.