Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Fernando Mendoza Becomes FanDuel Favorite for 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick

Early-season swings have produced a wide-open quarterback class without a clear consensus leader.

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rolls out to throw a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images/ File Photo
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 20: LaNorris Sellers #16 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before a game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Le/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • FanDuel now lists Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at +300 to go first overall, shortening from +700 a week earlier.
  • Mendoza has completed 73% of his passes for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns with one interception through five games, including two scoring throws in a win over Iowa.
  • South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is priced at +350 after an early concussion, while LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is +460 as questions persist about consistency and downfield success.
  • Other contenders on the board include Oklahoma’s John Mateer at +1300 as he returns from hand surgery, Oregon’s Dante Moore at +1900, Penn State’s Drew Allar at +2200, Texas’ Arch Manning at +2500, and Miami’s Carson Beck at +2700.
  • Analysts describe a fluid market with multiple viable QB1 candidates, highlighting rising play from Moore and Beck alongside uneven starts and health-related uncertainties for others.