Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the first person who comes to the mind of longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper as the most intriguing prospect for 2026 NFL Draft.
In a recent episode of “First Draft,” ESPN draft specialists Field Yates and Mel Kiper discussed the 10 most intriguing pro prospects entering the 2025 college football regular season.
“Fernando Mendoza has a chance to soar up NFL Draft boards with a big season with the Indiana Hoosiers, and a quarterback friendly offense,” Kiper said to kick off the segment.
His co-host Yates said he intends to place Mendoza in the first round of his next mock draft.
“This is an arm talent player,” Yates said. “Some of the throws he makes are just flat out incredible.”
Kiper noticed how well quarterbacks have performed under IU head coach Curt Cignetti.
“You think about Curt Cignetti and what he’s done with quarterbacks wherever he’s been,” Kiper said.
The combination of playing under Cignetti, and what Mendoza showed last year under constant pressure at Cal has the pair expecting big things this fall in Bloomington.
“He was sacked 41 times last year at Cal. Horrific offensive line,” Kiper said. “But I tell you what, the poise under pressure — 6-foot-5, 235 pounds — really smart. Slips and slides very effectively in the pocket.”
Despite playing under constant pressure, Mendoza finished his career as Cal’s all-time leader in completion percentage (66.4%).
Mendoza has even been mentioned by ESPN as someone who could play his way into becoming the No. 1 overall pick next spring.
You can watch the full discussion below.
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