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Tom Brady's Message for Projected No.1 QB in 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 1:47 AM ET

During a Fox broadcast on Dec. 14, Tom Brady delivered strong praise for projected 2026 No. 1 quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Brady spoke about what sets Mendoza apart, and these comments were special since they were coming from a seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Asked about Mendoza’s game, Brady said he loved everything he saw.

"Oh, I love everything about his game," Brady said. "Certainly, his leadership is what stands out to me. It's his reliability to his teammates."

Brady also pointed to the adversity Mendoza faced along his path.

"He's overcome a lot of things in his career," Brady said. "He's a Miami kid, went to Cal, to Indiana, and then you go to a program that hasn't won anything in forever, and what he's done this season was so impressive."

“His leadership is what stands out to me”@TomBrady talks about Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy for @IndianaFootball last night pic.twitter.com/iA1UdribiA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 14, 2025

Mendoza’s journey has drawn attention across college football. He moved from Cal to Indiana and changed the program’s direction. Indiana had not reached this level in years. This regular season, Mendoza has helped deliver a perfect 13-0 record, including the 38-3 Rose Bowl victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Indiana quarterback also made history by being the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 2,980 yards and a nation-leading 33 passing touchdowns. He added six rushing touchdowns with calm play in big moments.

"The only reason I won the Heisman is because I’m 1 out of 22 players on the Indiana football team. It’s a team award." Mendoza said after the 38-3 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“The only reason I won the Heisman is because I’m 1 out of 22 players on the Indiana football team. It’s a team award.”

Find you a leader like FERNANDO MENDOZA

pic.twitter.com/vilwACNHV7
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 2, 2026

According to Rob Rang of Fox Sports, Mendoza leads all quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft.

"The poise, precision and mobility he’s demonstrated in guiding the unbeaten Hoosiers to the playoffs have turned all doubters in the scouting community to believers along the way." Rang wrote.

So far, Mendoza has delivered an elite 2025 season for the Indiana Hoosiers. He threw for 3,172 yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 89.5 QBR ranked second nationally.

Apart from leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season, Mendoza rarely forces throws and protects the ball. That trait stands out in today’s game. Physically, Mendoza fits the NFL profile at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds. He throws with touch and strength at all levels.

And the reason behind Brady's comments finding the spotlight now is none other than his minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders are projected to hold the No. 1 draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after going 2-14 this season.

So, the Raiders can look to draft Mendoza if their interests align.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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