Not many experts have doubts about Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza securing the No. 1 spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently said it is just a formality now.
Kiper Jr. spoke highly about Mendoza during the recent episode of the “Get Up” podcast. He said the Las Vegas Raiders are fortunate to have the No. 1 pick this year, as the Hoosiers’ star has been the best QB throughout the year, and could even be the best quarterback in next year’s draft class.
“Including the No. 1 selection in mock drafts is just a formality at this point,” Kiper said. “It’s going to be Mendoza, and the Raiders have spent the past two weeks trying to clean up the surroundings for his arrival.”
“The team’s biggest signing was center Tyler Linderbaum on a massive three-year, $81 million deal; he will help Mendoza with setting protections and improve the interior blocking,” Kiper shared. “The Raiders also moved on from their previous starting QB by trading Geno Smith to the Jets. That leaves Aidan O’Connell as the only passer on the roster. It’s time for the Mendoza era to begin in Las Vegas.”
Mendoza had a fantastic year in the 2025 college football season, ending with the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.
The Hoosiers quarterback secured 3,535 yards along with 41 touchdowns against 6 interceptions in the season.
Stephen A. Smith Reacts to Dan Orlovsky’s Blunt Fernando Mendoza Assessment
Analyst Dan Orlovsky is one of the few analysts who have expressed hesitation on Fernando Mendoza being the top quarterback in this draft class and has opined that Alabama’s Ty Simpson isn’t too far behind.
During a conversation with Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday, Orlovsky claimed that Simpson attempted and completed more NFL-style throws than Mendoza.
Smith responded to Orlovsky’s statement and expressed his disagreement by highlighting Mendoza’s advantages, such as the Heisman Trophy, being undefeated, and his 6’5 stature.
“You don’t think that’s taking anything away from him at all, considering the credentials that he’s bringing to this draft,” Smith questioned.
Orlovsky responded, saying he doesn’t want people to twist his words and think he doesn’t like Mendoza, and explained that he believes Simpson is closer to the Hoosiers QB than people think.
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