Could the Hoosiers’ new signal caller hear his name called as early as next April’s first round?
Indiana has never had a quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The program’s last first round pick was in 1994, when wide receiver Thomas Lewis was selected 24th overall by the New York Giants.
Could both droughts end next year? Maybe, depending on how much stock you put into draft analysis.
Indiana added former California quarterback Fernando Mendoza through the transfer portal this past offseason to replace the outgoing Kurtis Rourke, who ended up being selected in the 7th round of last months draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
The Hoosiers needed a new starter and had a pre-existing connection on the roster: redshirt freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza, Fernando’s younger brother.
The older Mendoza’s commitment was praised when announced, Indiana had beaten out several high-level suitors to land him and he was considered one of the best options available in the transfer portal. Mendoza finished the 2024 season with Cal having racked up 3,004 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns and six interceptions.
Now, with spring ball having wrapped up, Mendoza is generating some NFL Draft buzz before he’s logged an official snap with the Hoosiers.
Field Yates, a fantasy and draft analyst for ESPN, didn’t make any sweeping projections but noted that he’s looking forward to watching Mendoza’s 2024 season:
Extremely early 2026 NFL Draft prep/college football thought: I can’t wait to watch QB Fernando Mendoza for @IndianaFootball this season. This dude can flat out sling it.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 6, 2025
Nate Tice (yes, that Nate Tice from Wisconsin if you remember), of Yahoo Sports went a bit further. It’s early, yes, but he currently has Fernando Mendoza as QB1 for 2026’s draft and fourth overall (!!) on his big board.
Going to be working on a couple of individual pieces this month. One on why Fernando Mendoza is my current QB1 and the other on what exactly Arch Manning is as a prospect going into the 2025 season. https://t.co/paBG0OH2R2
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) May 5, 2025
Again, it’s still very early, but Curt Cignetti’s system is extremely friendly to quarterbacks and Mendoza has at least one ability that Indiana lacked last year in his mobility. That’s not a knock on Kurtis Rourke, who was one of the best passers in the country last season and did his best on a severely injured knee.
The 2024 season was huge, but 2025 is shaping up to be extremely interesting for the Hoosiers.