The Indiana Hoosiers
capped the best story faculty soccer has ever informed once they defeated Miami, 27-21, to win this system’s first nationwide title again on Jan. 19.
A whole lot of that success was due to the exceptional play from quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who grew to become Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner. That stage of play has him atop ESPN NFLÂ Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s newest draft projections regardless of a quiet QB class total.
Throughout an look on Tuesday’s version of “First Take,” Kiper assessed Mendoza’s draft inventory and why he has created a niche between himself and the remainder of the QBs within the 2026 NFL draft.
Mel Kiper Jr. heaps reward on Fernando Mendoza
“Fernando Mendoza went for 41 sacks at Cal in 2024, dropped that quantity down dramatically, common season was like 17, 18. What he wanted to enhance on, he did,” Kiper stated. … “I perceive he would not have elite traits. I hate that time period. … If you happen to would say you hate a quarterback, 9 occasions out of 10 you possibly can at all times say you are proper. … I get the hate on quarterbacks, however realistically, on this draft, Fernando Mendoza I believe is the most effective participant on this draft, and definitely he is distanced himself from each different quarterback together with Ty Simpson.”
Kiper particularly touched on Mendoza’s capability to enhance his processing down the sector. As an alternative of simply going together with his first or second possibility, Mendoza waited till he might discover an open goal and even elected to make use of his legs when he wanted to.
Highlighted by his gutsy fourth-down TD run within the CFP Nationwide Championship Recreation, Mendoza joined an unique listing of Heisman Trophy winners to win the nationwide title, capping off his collegiate profession in model.
In a QB class far quieter than current years, Simpson is the one different signal-caller on Kiper’s newest top-25 Massive Board, additional highlighting the benefit that Mendoza has forward of them.
In his lone season at Indiana in 2025, Mendoza posted career-highs in completion proportion (72%), passing yards (3,535) and passing TDs (41). His 41 cross TDs and 90.3 QBR led the FBS, whereas his 276 rush yards and 7 speeding TDs had been additionally personal-bests.
With the Las Vegas Raiders holding down the No. 1 decide, there are many weaknesses on the roster to focus on, together with the offensive line and protection. Quarterback, nevertheless, is one other place of want. In a category the place few QBs are anticipated to go within the first spherical, that makes Mendoza much more more likely to be chosen with the primary decide if that seems to be the path the Raiders wish to go.Â
Quite a bit can change between now and the draft, which begins on April 23. Nevertheless, with the enhancements that Mendoza made at Indiana and the efficiency he overlooked on the sector, it could be a shock if he’s not the primary participant off the board.
