Draft Profile: Fernando Mendoza

By Noah Zollin

Sam Navarro/Imagn Images

There was a special in the air during championship night: the stars were bright on Fernando Mendoza, who stands out as the top quarterback in this year’s draft and in college football. After winning the Heisman and leading Indiana to a national title, Fernando concluded the season with 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions—cementing his college football legacy. His season was nearly perfect. 

Still, discussions continue about whether Fernando is worthy of the first overall pick, though his achievements make him the clear favorite. While there is much to admire about the national champion, it’s important to look at potential concerns. Take Fernando’s role in Indiana’s heavy RPO offense and the challenge of adapting to the professional level. Since Indiana focused on RPO schemes, evaluating his weekly performance and professional potential can be challenging. Furthermore, his footwork is a point of concern.

Fernando can look unsettled under pressure and sometimes develops “happy feet” when the pocket collapses; this is an area likely to improve with experience. On the other hand, Fernando’s ball accuracy is impressive, and his arm talent is at an NFL level. This was especially evident in playoff performances against Alabama and Oregon, where he delivered precise throws into tight windows for his receivers. Fernando demonstrates elite processing and the ability to read and dissect top defenses. Throughout Indiana’s 2026 campaign, he consistently identified open targets and timed his throws effectively, outsmarting opposing defenses. Under pressure, he excelled at making smart reads and accurate throws. When considering potential team fits, the Las Vegas Raiders emerge as the only logical destination. 

The team has struggled to find a stable quarterback since 2001—apart from Derek Carr, who left in 2021. Drafting Fernando would be a logical step forward. With offensive talent like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, combined with a potential strong offensive minded head coach, Fernando has the potential to thrive in Las Vegas. Questions remain about the offensive line, but moving Jackson Powers Johnson back to center and the return of Kolton Miller are positive developments for supporting Fernando in his rookie year. Expectations are high for Fernando Mendoza, and I am eager to see what he will bring to the Raiders.