Sat Nov 08 17:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article based on the provided text, reflecting the tone and style of The Sporting News:

Hoosiers’ Mendoza Surges to Top of 2026 NFL Draft Boards

BLOOMINGTON, IN – Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has emerged as a frontrunner for the 2026 NFL Draft, according to a recent poll of NFL scouts and executives conducted by ESPN.

Mendoza, a junior who transferred from Cal, has impressed evaluators with his rapid development under new Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound signal-caller received 13 first-place votes in the ESPN poll, eclipsing Oregon’s Dante Moore (6 votes) and Alabama’s Ty Simpson (3 votes). Notably, none of these three quarterbacks received a single vote in the initial poll conducted just six weeks prior.

Mendoza’s impressive stats speak for themselves: he has thrown for 25 touchdowns with a remarkable 72.3% completion rate, averaging 9.5 yards per attempt. He’s also added four rushing touchdowns.

“[Mendoza] has ‘wow’ throws and playmaking passer ability,” one scout told ESPN. “He’s decisive, he sees the field well, and he’s very tough in the pocket.”

While scouts acknowledge the 2026 quarterback class may lack overall depth, they see top-tier potential. “It’s not a stellar class,” the scout noted, “…The top is better than last year’s class, for sure.” The quality may improve if underclassmen opt to enter the draft. Quarterbacks such as Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, each with one vote, also drew mentions.

While Mendoza’s current position doesn’t guarantee him the No. 1 overall pick in 2026, his early performance and traits have positioned him as a leading contender to headline the draft class. The next two seasons will be crucial for the young quarterback as he looks to solidify his status among the nation’s elite.

Read More