Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who recently transferred to Indiana from California, has made a strong impression in quarterback rankings. According to one expert’s too-early 2026 NFL Draft big board, Mendoza topped the list with an "Arch Manning-sized caveat." This ranking is not surprising given Mendoza’s impressive skills and potential for growth.
Mendoza’s New Environment
Mendoza joins an explosive offense at Indiana that features:
- NFL prospect wide receiver Elijah Sarratt
- Several key transfers on the offensive line
The team ranked fourth in FEI offense rating in 2024. With this talented group of players, Mendoza is likely to have a successful season and potentially improve his draft stock.
Decision to Transfer
Some might be surprised by Mendoza’s choice of Indiana over top programs that reportedly showed interest in him. However, his decision makes more sense when considering coaching. As one expert noted, "Mendoza wants to stand and deliver like a springier and more creative Jared Goff, or most favorably compare to Matt Ryan." This suggests that Mendoza values the opportunity to work with coaches who can help him develop his skills and reach his full potential.
Areas for Improvement
One area where Mendoza needs improvement is his sack rate. He took sacks too often last season (9.4 percent), which is a concern for any quarterback looking to succeed at the next level. Sack rates are generally categorized into three groups:
- Quarterbacks who get beat by better players
- Those who are simply ineffective
- Those whose coaches fail them
In Mendoza’s case, it appears he falls into the second category. He tends to take himself out of schemes, either through his actions or tactics used against him on blitzes. Often, he was looking directly at blitzers or even distracted by other factors, which led to sacks.
This issue may be secondary compared to another reason why many quarterbacks will see higher-than-average sack rates this year: coaches are still figuring out how they want their players to respond to blitzes. They are experimenting with various strategies, hoping to find what works.
Optimism for the Future
Despite these concerns, there are many reasons to be optimistic about Mendoza’s future potential as a quarterback:
- Maturity as an Athlete: He quickly gets into throwing position after play fakes or other RPOs.
- Adaptability: He figures out ways to complete simple throws by changing arm slots or adjusting the trajectory of the ball.
- Decision-Making: Mendoza has shown correct decision-making at high rates, even when mistakes occur. He excelled on third-and-fourth downs last season, displaying awareness of defensive looks and the ability to find solutions in passing situations.
These qualities make Mendoza an exciting prospect for the future. His ability to make high-end throws across the field, combined with quick decision-making under pressure, positions him well for success. Mendoza’s athleticism and toughness allow him to stand in the pocket and take hits when necessary, showcasing his potential as a quarterback at the next level.
With his experience as a co-captain at Yale and his understanding of game situations, Mendoza is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
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