Mel Kiper Jr. names Big Ten QB who could 'soar up' 2026 NFL Draft boards

Following last season's breakthrough, the Indiana Hoosiers aren't sneaking up on anyone in 2025. That extends to their offseason transfer portal addition at quarterback.

In the most recent episode of "First Draft," ESPN NFL Draft experts Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. discussed the 10 most intriguing pro prospects entering the 2025 college football regular season, which kicks off on Aug. 23.

Among the players discussed, Kiper mentioned Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who transferred from the California Golden Bears this offseason.

As a sophomore in 2024, Mendoza completed 68.7 percent of his pass attempts for 3,004 yards (7.8 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Moving to what should be a much better environment at Indiana, which went 11-2 last season and reached the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, it's understandable why expectations are high for the rising junior.

"You think about [head coach] Curt Cignetti and what he's done with quarterbacks wherever he's been," Kiper began. 

He noted Indiana's weapons, including senior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who has 2,148 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns since the start of the 2023 season, and running back Roman Hemby, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Maryland this offseason. In addition to rushing for 2,347 yards during his collegiate career, Hemby is also a factor as a pass-catcher out of the backfield with 112 career receptions.

Kiper pointed to Indiana's offensive line, which should protect Mendoza better than Cal's offensive line in 2024.

"He was sacked 41 times last year at Cal. Horrific offensive line," Kiper said. "But I tell you what, the poise under pressure — 6-foot-5, 235 pounds — really smart. Slips and slides very effectively in the pocket. Fernando Mendoza has the chance to soar up draft boards with a big season."

Yates observed that Mendoza has multiple seasons of college eligibility remaining and could return to Indiana in 2026. 

The kind of success he has and the other quarterback prospects he declares will likely influence his draft decision. The 2026 class could be stacked, with Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Carson Beck and Sam Leavitt among the notable draft-eligible quarterbacks.

Mendoza could get lost in the shuffle by adding his name to the potentially saturated class. He might stand out if he has a big enough season and some of the younger prospects remain in college.

Mendoza will have an excellent opportunity to start the season hot. Indiana has a favorable early-season schedule, playing Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and Indiana State in Weeks 1-3 before opening Big Ten play.

Those warmups should allow Mendoza to find a groove before the schedule gets more challenging. If so, he could easily prove Kiper right.