Overview
- In an ESPN survey of 25 NFL scouts and executives, Mendoza received 13 votes to be the first quarterback drafted in 2026, ahead of Oregon’s Dante Moore (6) and Alabama’s Ty Simpson (3).
- Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers each drew one vote after a September poll featured a different set of leaders.
- Since transferring from Cal, Mendoza has posted 25 passing touchdowns, a 72.3% completion rate, 9.5 yards per attempt and four rushing scores under coach Curt Cignetti with OC Mike Shanahan and QB coach Chandler Whitmer.
- Evaluators highlighted Mendoza’s 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame, downfield accuracy, post-snap anticipation and toughness in the pocket.
- Scouts called the group “not a stellar class” yet stronger at the top than last year, with Moore at 19 TDs and 71.4% completions, Simpson at 20 TDs with one interception, and continued uncertainty around limited starts and potential underclassmen decisions.