Fernando Mendoza Enters NFL Draft as Talent Evaluations Surge

Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback from Indiana, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. This announcement came through his social media on January 19, 2026, following a successful college career.

Fernando Mendoza’s NFL Draft Declaration

At just 22 years old, Mendoza has made headlines after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading his team to a National Championship. His social media post read, “Let’s get to work,” signaling readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Expectation and Training Ahead

With the NFL Scouting Combine scheduled from February 23 to March 2, Mendoza is preparing to showcase his talents in front of multiple NFL teams. The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, are anticipated to be among the first franchises to evaluate him.

Scouting Reports and Comparisons

As evaluations begin, scouts are drawing comparisons between Mendoza and several notable quarterbacks. Some mention Sam Darnold and Jared Goff, who were both top picks in their respective drafts.

• Jared Goff: No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft
• Sam Darnold: No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft

While some experts have criticized Mendoza’s style of play—suggesting he is more of a one-to-two-read quarterback operating from a run-pass option offense—others see great potential in him. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel praised him, claiming he resembles what an ideal NFL quarterback looks like.

Performance Highlights and Stats

During his college career, Mendoza completed an impressive 68.6% of his passes. In critical playoff games against top teams like Alabama and Oregon, he threw eight touchdown passes with only five incompletions, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.

Key Attributes and Future Outlook

Scouts note Mendoza’s solid arm strength and intelligence on the field, although his mobility is more functional than dynamic. His resilience and work ethic have been highlighted as standout traits, raising expectations among teams as the draft approaches.

Despite comparisons to Joe Burrow being deemed exaggerated, Mendoza’s heart and determination continue to win over scouts and analysts alike. As he enters this critical phase of his career, all eyes will be on him during the NFL Combine and beyond.