Fernando Mendoza, who is projected to be the No.1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been complimented by many players and analysts for his humility and sincere nature.
The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback had one of the most inspirational seasons during his 2025 run, with a Heisman trophy and a national championship under his belt.
Mendoza showed great composure throughout the season and caught people’s attention for how he handled himself in the offseason as well.
Talking about Mendoza’s qualities and how it might reflect into his NFL career, ex-Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck referenced four-time Pro Bowler Andrew Luck on the Rich Eisen Show:
“I backed up Andrew Luck for three years in Indianapolis at the end of my career, and he’s one of the greatest leaders that I was ever around in the locker room.
“There’s a couple things that always play well in the locker room: If you are the hardest working person that you can possibly be, if you’re excellent at your craft, and if you are authentic 24/7. And I think Fernando has those qualities. I love him, he’s awesome. I love Fernando Mendoza. … He’s just got an authenticity to him that I believe plays in the locker room.“
Dan Orlovsky Points at Ty Simpson as Fernando Mendoza’s Competition Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
During an appearance on “First Take” on Feb. 27, Dan Orlovsky made the case for Alabama QB Ty Simpson to potentially be a better quarterback than Fernando Mendoza, as he believes the former’s tape is more impressive.
Orlovsky highlighted the fact that Simpson probably did not have an impressive end to the season because he got banged up by injuries.
“If you were kind of dropped into this as an NFL coach, right, and you were handed the first eight or even nine tapes for both Mendoza and Simpson, I promise you Simpsons tape’s better. It just is. Now, Simpson’s 6-1, he’s 211 lbs. He’s got 15 starts,” Orlovsky added.
“But if you’re looking for the best of Ty Simpson versus the best of Mendoza, I don’t see it as a huge gap. Now Mendoza’s tape wasn’t great versus Iowa until the end when they needed it.”
Simpson ended the 2025 college football season with 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns against five interceptions, while Mendoza secured 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
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