NFL Draft intel: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza leads five must-track prospects

Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. 

From an Indiana quarterback to a Penn State running back, here are five players we're tracking:

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza 

As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Mendoza — who leads the FBS in touchdown passes (32) — as the Heisman favorite (+160). Thriving against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday would increase his chances of winning the award and being the first QB selected in the draft. 

Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema rates Mendoza as his second-best QB, behind Alabama's Ty Simpson. However, the Crimson Tide star is a first-year starter and could return to school. 

"Mendoza looks the part of an NFL quarterback, with above-average size [6-foot-5, 225 pounds] and sufficient arm strength," wrote Sikkema in a story published Monday. "He flashes good touch, particularly on sideline throws."

Ohio State's elite defense — which ranks No. 1 in the FBS in points allowed (7.8 PPG) — may give Mendoza his biggest test, but the QB is on a tear. Over his past three games, he has tossed seven TD passes and one interception. 

Ohio State LB Arvell Reese 

Reese may be the top player on a stacked defense that features another potential first-rounder in safety Caleb Downs. After 12 games, the LB ranks second on the team in tackles (61) and sacks (6.5). 

LBs typically don't go No. 1 overall in the draft, but Reese can line up at edge-rusher, increasing his chances of being the top pick in April. Teams covet pass-rushing LBs in the mold of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, a four-time first-team All-Pro.

In a story published Monday, ESPN's Jordan Reid named him as the top prospect in the class, praising his pass-rushing skills. 

"At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese has impressed this season with his dominant first step off the edge, which he couples with power in his hands to run through blockers," wrote Reid. "Reese has the best pass-rush traits of any edge-rusher in this class despite never playing the position on a full-time basis." 

Texas OT Trevor Goosby

Texas QB Arch Manning owes Goosby a thank you. Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell is tied for fourth in the FBS in sacks (11.5), but he had none in a 27-17 Aggies loss to Texas because of the OT's excellent blocking.

"Trevor Goosby was the star while facing the SEC's sack leader in Cashius Howell," wrote ESPN's Matt Miller in a story published Sunday. "He plays with balance and mobility, but he's also a punisher in the run game. He is constantly looking for work when the ball moves downfield. That all showed up Friday night against Texas A&M." 

Goosby (6-foot-7, 312 pounds) is a first-year starter but may be tempted to declare after the 2026 season. Miller reported some scouts are already giving him first-round grades. 

He certainly looks pro-ready. According to PFF, Goosby has allowed 17 pressures this season, tied for 136th among 200 eligible tackles (min. 322 pass-block snaps).

Clemson DE T.J. Parker

Entering the season, Parker (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) was considered the top pass-rusher in the class, but his stock has since dipped. On Tankathon's updated big board, he ranks as the No. 4 edge-rusher.

The Tigers star could still be a potential first-rounder. In Clemson's 28-14 win over rival South Carolina in its regular-season finale, Parker logged a season-high three sacks. 

"Parker hadn't recorded a sack since Week 4 against Syracuse and badly needed a strong close to the year," wrote The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner in a story published Monday. "He remains one of the most talented defenders in the class, though. His bend, twitch and explosion off the ball make him a special prospect, and Saturday offered a reminder of that." 

Penn State RB Kaytron Allen

A disappointing season for Penn State (6-6) has overshadowed an impressive year from Allen (5-foot-11, 217 pounds). In 12 games, the senior RB has career highs in rushing yards (1,303) and rushing TDs (15). 

He now has the most rushing yards in school history (4,180). That's impressive considering Penn State's track record at RB. The Nittany Lions have produced many elite NFL RBs, including Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

"Allen is still viewed as a middle-round pick, but for teams that are looking to add a physical runner to a committee, he will be a popular option," wrote Reid in a story published Sunday.