Fernando Mendoza just gave the Jets another reason to believe he’s QB1

The New York Jets sent their entire brain trust to Happy Valley on Saturday. General manager Darren Mougey, senior advisor Rick Spielman, and two of the team’s top scouts and directors were all in attendance for Indiana’s matchup with Penn State, keeping a close eye on quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

It was the third time this season the Jets have watched Mendoza in person, which should show just how seriously they’re evaluating the rising draft prospect who is solidifying himself as QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mendoza’s afternoon wasn’t perfect. He threw an interception, missed a few open throws, and spent much of the game under heavy pressure from one of the country’s better defenses. But when the Hoosiers needed him most, he responded.

Mendoza led a 10-play, 73-yard drive in the final minutes, capping it off with a clutch touchdown to Omar Cooper Jr. on an incredible toe-tap grab in the back of the end zone that’s already being called one of the catches of the year.

The Jets sent essentially every high-ranking member of their organization to Pennsylvania to watch Mendoza play in person, and despite an uneven overall performance, they surely came away impressed.

The Jets seem to be eyeing Fernando Mendoza as QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft

Mendoza’s rise this season has been one of college football’s more fascinating storylines. The redshirt junior transferred to Indiana from Cal, where he flashed poise but was stuck in a rebuilding program.

Since arriving in Bloomington, he’s helped stabilize a Hoosiers offense that had been among the Big Ten’s least efficient, showing growth each week in decision-making and command. Coaches and scouts have praised his maturity and processing, two traits that tend to translate well to the next level.

Mendoza has firmly entered the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s often mentioned alongside Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oregon’s Dante Moore, though reports suggest Moore could return to school next season.

With each performance like Saturday’s win over Penn State, Mendoza inches closer to cementing himself as QB1 in the class. He stands out as a poised, efficient passer who’s proving he can win in tough environments.

That’s exactly what the Jets are looking for. Sitting at 1–7 coming out of their bye week, the Jets own what projects to be a top-five pick, plus an extra first-rounder thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade.

They’ll be one of the teams most closely tied to the quarterback market in 2026, whether it’s drafting a young prospect or exploring a veteran option. Names like Kyler Murray or even Joe Burrow have floated in speculation, though the latter feels like more of a pipe dream.

Mendoza’s fit in offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s rhythm-and-timing system makes a lot of sense, too. His quick release, accuracy in the short and intermediate game, and confidence off play-action have drawn comparisons to Jared Goff, who, of course, crossed paths with Engstrand in Detroit.

Justin Fields remains the current starter, but the Jets’ presence in Happy Valley shows where their eyes are turning. They’re clearly doing their homework on Mendoza, and after Saturday, it’s safe to assume they left impressed.