Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza cemented his status as a legendary player when he elevated the losingest program in college football history to winning their first National Championship with an undefeated season. On his way to winning the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza dominated the Big 10 and established himself as the No. 1 overall-pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza going high is a foregone conclusion, but it was interesting hearing who Mendoza compared to, according to pro team evaluators. After reaching out to an NFC general manager, they said that Mendoza reminds them of a young Joe Flacco.
Similar throwing motion and size,” said the general manager. “Fernando is a little better athlete, and Joe has a little bit of a stronger arm, but they are very similar in reading defenses.”
At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Mendoza has good size for the NFL. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He had seven rushing touchdowns as well. While Mendoza is a virtual lock to be the first player selected, he is more of a true pocket passer rather than a dual-threat quarterback that has been more en vogue in recent years. Flacco has had a long career, including a Super Bowl championship with the Baltimore Ravens. In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Mendoza goes off the board right away, and the Las Vegas Raiders target some receiving help for Mendoza in round two.
