Fernando Mendoza

NFL Draft Profile: Fernando Mendoza

Position: Quarterback | School: Indiana (via Cal) | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 225 lbs | Archetype: Pro-Style Pocket Passer

College Career Summary

Fernando Mendoza is the defining "meteoric riser" of the 2025 season. After starting his career at California, where he showed flashes of brilliance as a redshirt freshman and sophomore, Mendoza transferred to Indiana to join Curt Cignetti’s squad. The move proved historic: he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated regular season and their first Big Ten Championship since 1967.

His 2025 campaign was one for the ages, as he became the first player in Indiana history to win the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza swept nearly every major honor, including the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Walter Camp Awards. He proved to be a surgical operator in a pro-style system, finishing the year with a 71.5% completion rate and 33 passing touchdowns.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 2,980

• Completion %: 71.5%

• Touchdowns: 33 Passing, 6 Rushing

• Interceptions: 6

• Passer Rating: 181.4

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Old Dominion	18/31, 193 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	B-	Efficient debut; focused on ball security while learning the system.
2	vs Kennesaw St	18/25, 245 Yds, 4 TD/0 INT	A	Total command; displayed elite red-zone touch.
3	vs Illinois	21/23, 267 Yds, 5 TD/0 INT	A+	The Efficiency Record. 91.3% completion rate with zero mistakes.
4	@ Iowa	13/23, 233 Yds, 2 TD/1 INT	B+	Gritty performance against an elite defense in a hostile environment.
5	vs Oregon	20/31, 215 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B	Solid management in a top-10 showdown. Used his legs to extend drives.
6	vs UCLA	15/22, 168 Yds, 3 TD/1 INT	B+	Highly decisive in the intermediate game; maximized every drive.
7	@ Mich State	24/28, 332 Yds, 4 TD/0 INT	A+	Season High Yards. Masterclass in deep ball placement.
8	vs Maryland	14/21, 201 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B	Methodical performance; kept the chains moving.
9	@ Penn State	19/30, 218 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B+	Showed elite mental toughness under heavy Beaver Stadium pressure.
10	vs Wisconsin	22/24, 299 Yds, 4 TD/0 INT	A+	Near Flawless. Picked apart the secondary with surgical precision.
11	@ Purdue	8/15, 117 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	B	Low volume due to blowout/rain; took the profit when available.
12	vs Ohio State	19/27, 222 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	A	B1G Title Game MVP. Led a game-winning drive to secure the title.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Anticipation & Accuracy: Mendoza doesn't just throw to open windows; he throws to spots that will be open. His 79% adjusted completion rate is one of the highest ever recorded for a high-volume passer.

• Prototypical Size & Durability: Standing 6'5", he has the ideal frame to see over the line of scrimmage and withstand the rigors of an NFL pocket.

• Advanced Processing: He operates a complex pro-style offense with ease. He is rare among college QBs for his ability to work through full-field reads and manage protections at the line.

• Lightning-Quick Release: He can generate significant velocity with a compact, efficient throwing motion that minimizes sack opportunities.

Weaknesses

• Limited "Out of Structure" Play: While mobile enough to reset the pocket, he isn't a "scramble-first" threat. Questions remain about his ability to create "magic" when the play completely breaks down.

• Occasional Aggressive Errors: His confidence in his arm leads him to occasionally test tight windows that NFL safeties will jump more effectively than college DBs.

• Functional Weight: While tall, scouts would like to see him add another 5-10 lbs of muscle to help with play-strength when being tackled.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Timing-Based Pro-Style / West Coast. He is a perfect fit for a team like the New York Jets or Las Vegas Raiders—systems that value pre-snap intelligence and rhythmic passing.

Scout's Final Word

"Fernando Mendoza is the 'surest thing' in the 2026 class. He is a high-IQ pocket operator with the frame of a classic franchise quarterback and the modern efficiency of an elite point guard. Winning the Heisman in a system that emphasizes NFL-level reads proves he is ready to start on Day 1. He is a Top-5 Lock and a strong candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick."

Draft Projection: Top 5 Overall Selection (Early Round 1)