Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, is generating significant buzz among NFL scouts as a potential 2026 NFL Draft prospect. After transferring from Cal, where he started for two seasons, Mendoza's move to Indiana has placed him firmly under the microscope of talent evaluators.

Mendoza's transition to Indiana and his fit within Coach Curt Cignetti's offensive scheme are key factors driving the increased attention. Cignetti's "Air Raid" offense, combined with the presence of NFL-caliber receiver Elijah Sarratt, is expected to showcase Mendoza's abilities and further refine his skillset for the next level. Scouts are particularly intrigued by Mendoza's potential to thrive in this environment, drawing parallels to other transfer quarterbacks who have seen their draft stock soar after a change of scenery.

ESPN's Matt Miller highlighted Mendoza as a "sleeper" prospect, noting the early buzz surrounding the quarterback. Mendoza's physical attributes are undeniably appealing. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and frame for an NFL quarterback. Beyond his physical stature, scouts are impressed with Mendoza's arm talent, quick release, and decision-making abilities. Miller also pointed out that Mendoza possesses the arm talent to deliver the ball to all areas of the field.

Jordan Reid of ESPN included Mendoza in his list of top names to know for the 2026 NFL Draft, alongside quarterbacks from traditional college football powerhouses. Reid lauded Mendoza's accuracy and cited his FBS-leading 5.1% off-target percentage as evidence of his precision. He also noted Mendoza's effectiveness both inside and outside the pocket, highlighting his ability to identify and exploit advantageous coverage situations. According to Reid, Mendoza has a snappy release which helps the ball come out of his hand with plenty of life.

CBS Sports also recognized Mendoza's potential, ranking him as the top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. His playing style has been described as "professional," drawing comparisons to Eli Manning due to his pace, rhythm, and sound decision-making. While some scouts believe Mendoza could showcase more downfield touch and be less conservative in pushing the ball, his overall projection to the NFL level is considered strong.

It's worth noting that Mendoza played behind a less-than-stellar offensive line at Cal, which often forced him to evade pressure and make unconventional plays. The improved offensive line at Indiana is expected to provide him with better protection and allow him to showcase his abilities more consistently.

While it's still early in the evaluation process, Fernando Mendoza's name is rapidly gaining traction among NFL scouts. His combination of physical tools, arm talent, and decision-making, coupled with his promising situation at Indiana, has positioned him as a quarterback to watch in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft.