After facing three relatively weak opponents, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza faced a much tougher challenge against Illinois, and he delivered an outstanding performance that added to his burgeoning reputation as a prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. In a dominant 63-10 victory, Mendoza completed 21 of 23 passes (91.3% completion rate) for 267 yards, five touchdowns, and no turnovers, all while sitting out the fourth quarter. This impressive outing has now placed him atop the FBS leaderboard for passing touchdowns this season, boasting a total of 14 with zero interceptions.
Key Performance Analysis
While Mendoza didn’t showcase many high-difficulty throws—his only attempt beyond 20 yards was an incomplete pass—his efficient management of Indiana’s run-pass option (RPO) heavy offense highlights his capabilities as a quarterback. Here, we delve into four key plays from the game that illustrate Mendoza’s skills and areas for improvement.
Play 1: Layered Touchdown Toss
One of Mendoza’s standout plays came during a critical moment in the red zone. Facing third-and-goal from the Illinois 11, he exhibited excellent poise under pressure. With Illinois rushing only three defenders, he had the time to diagnose the situation. His target, E.J. Williams Jr., outmaneuvered his defender and provided a target in the end zone. Mendoza made a perfect throw, layering it beautifully so that Williams could elevate for the catch. This play encapsulates Mendoza’s growth in terms of patience and accuracy compared to criticism surrounding his tendency to rush decisions in the past.
Play 2: Playing with Fire
A concern for Mendoza remains his average physical profile. His arm strength and athleticism don’t stand out among other top prospects. This was evident when he attempted a throw from the opposite hash that appeared to lose velocity towards the end. The pass, intercepted easily at higher levels, raised questions about his ability to make dangerous throws under pressure. Though he plays on time and effectively, coaches and scouts will want to see him improve his distance throws, particularly in tight coverage situations.
Play 3: Functional Mobility
Mendoza is not the most dynamic athlete and won’t draw comparisons to players like Josh Allen. However, he showed flashes of functional mobility when he needed to extend a play. He demonstrated his ability to recognize when a designed read was not available, and despite not being considered a dual-threat quarterback, he took the initiative to dump off the ball for a first down. This highlights his capability to adapt, an essential trait for any prospective NFL quarterback.
Play 4: Blitz at Your Own Risk
In a decisive second-and-goal situation, Mendoza faced a Cover 0 blitz, with everyone pressure-oriented except for a single rusher unaccounted for due to the running back’s blocking. Mendoza’s pre-snap awareness enabled him to quickly identify the vulnerability, swiftly targeting Elijah Sarratt in the slot, who successfully beat his man. This play showcased Mendoza’s mental acuity—an integral component for success in the NFL, where quick thinking and the ability to work under pressure are paramount.
Overall Assessment
While his performance against Illinois doesn’t warrant a complete overhaul of expectations, it offers valuable insights into Mendoza’s development. Notably, 17 of his 21 completions came within ten yards of the line of scrimmage, indicating his comfort with quick, strategic decisions. However, playing quarterback effectively means more than merely completing passes; it’s also about avoiding mistakes and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Mendoza has shown he can do both, allowing him to maintain his ranking as the No. 20 prospect on a pre-season top 50 list.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Mendoza will have a chance to further validate his potential with upcoming games against Oregon and Penn State. Each game serves as an opportunity for him to refine his skills and potentially elevate his draft stock. Though there are limitations to his physical abilities, his mental acuity and accuracy indicate he has the potential to be an NFL starter.
In summary, Mendoza’s game against Illinois reaffirmed his standing as a promising quarterback prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft. He remains a player to watch as he continues to develop, and his ability to navigate tricky game situations will be crucial in determining his future in football. As he progresses this season, it will be fascinating to see how he adapts against tougher competition, and whether he can enhance his standing among NFL scouts and analysts alike.
