The NFL regular season hasn’t started yet, but it’s never too early to talk about the draft. Recently, Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone put together a 2026 mock draft. He has the Indianapolis Colts selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza seventh overall:
“7. Indianapolis Colts: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Just like most teams picking in the top 10 picks of any mock draft, you’d have to assume the quarterback position is a big reason why the Colts would end up here. After the team’s decision to name Daniel Jones the starting quarterback, it’s even more believable that the Colts would be in the market for a top quarterback prospect in this range. If you’ve been reading through our 2026 NFL mock drafts all offseason, you’ve undoubtedly seen this fit between the Colts and Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is a favorite right now of a lot of folks on “Draft Twitter” who loved what he put on tape at Cal last season. Now that he’s transferred to Bloomington, he’s got a chance to win over the home crowd before even taking asnap for the Colts.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is a long way away. But you never know, Mendoza just might land in Indianapolis.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Has the Colts Taking Quarterback Fernando Mendoza
His Career Thus Far
Fernando Mendoza starred at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida. During his career there, he passed for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 137 yards and a score. He originally committed to play college football at Yale University before choosing the University of California, Berkeley.
Mendoza would play two seasons at Cal. In 2024, he was the third-leading passer in the ACC with 3,004 passing yards and accounted for 18 total touchdowns. He led the Bears to six wins and a bowl game in their first season as a member of the ACC conference.
Mendoza had several memorable performances last season. He threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-14 road win at Auburn. Plus, he had 285 passing yards and two scores in the Bears’ 39-38 loss to then-No. 8 Miami. In addition, he led a comeback and a 98-yard winning touchdown drive for a 24-21 victory over Stanford in his final game with the Bears.
Mendoza transferred to Indiana before this season, replacing Kurtis Rourke. During this year’s season-opener, he led the Hoosiers to a 27-14 win over Old Dominion. It wasn’t a great debut for Mendoza. He went 18-for-31 with 193 yards. Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, he did run for one while carrying the ball six times for 33 yards.
Does Mendoza Make Sense for the Colts?
As of right now, Daniel Jones is the Colts’ starting quarterback. He, of course, beat out Anthony Richardson for the role. Meanwhile, rookie Riley Leonard serves as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart.
This is Jones’ first season with the Colts. The former Duke star could wind up leading the team to the playoffs this year. But then again, he could also have a disastrous season and lose his starting job at some point.
Richardson could have a breakout season if he becomes QB1 again. Yet, he could also struggle mightily.
If the Colts have a bad season due to poor quarterback play and land a top-10 pick, drafting Fernando Mendoza makes sense. Sure, he struggled against Old Dominion, which certainly isn’t a good sign. However, there’s still plenty of time for him to figure things out and emerge as the star he’s expected to be.
Mendoza possesses prototypical size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and a strong arm. He can also extend plays.
Who knows for sure what type of season the Colts will have? Again, the draft is a long way away. But Fernando Mendoza may become the team’s next franchise quarterback.
Main Photo: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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