Steelers Now
Steelers Now will be taking stock of the draft class every week of the 2025 college football season for the quarterback position.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers Now will be taking stock of the draft class every week of the 2025 college football season. Week two saw some bounce-back performances and concerning regressions of others.
Take a look at EJ Williams’ first touchdown since he was a freshman at Clemson in 2020
Fernando Mendoza finishes his day with four touchdown passes #iufb pic.twitter.com/G32b3rVnlS
— Colin McMahon (@ColinMcMahon31) September 6, 2025
STOCK UP: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
After a relatively underwhelming start to the season, Mendoza took advantage of the Kennesaw State defense. Yes, it was Kennesaw State. However, the performance is what you expected to see from an NFL Draft prospect.
En route to a 56-9 victory, Mendoza completed 18 of 25 passes, averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt, and four touchdowns. The Indiana Hoosier offense improved its redzone scoring by going four-of-four inside the Owls’ 20.
While the performance was expected, it showed the difference a week can make. There is no preseason at the collegiate level. Mendoza took a step in the right direction as he needed to do. Expect Mendoza to be on the Steelers radar as a B1G QB.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 11, QB6
Season Stats: 36-of-56 (64.29%), 438 yards (7.82 y/a), 4 TD, 0 INT
Can't touch @archmanning 🤘 pic.twitter.com/dxTXeEIE15
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 6, 2025
STOCK UP: Arch Manning, Texas
Similar to Mendoza, Manning had an underwhelming performance in week one. The difference, however, was that Manning and his Texas team suffered a loss. He would get his home debut for 2026 against San Jose State.
The NFL-family prodigy had a bounce-back performance that made Texas fans feel better going forward. In their 38-7 victory over San Jose, he accounted for all five touchdowns. He threw four scores through the air and rushed for another on a 20-yard dash into the endzone. He completed over 60% of his passes and also averaged nearly 10 yards per attempt.
Again, the competition was much less fierce than that of the Ohio State defense. Regardless, Manning displayed the talent he possesses, but he will have to prove himself to some spectators as the season goes on. He will have plenty of opportunities in the SEC to do just that. Chances are he could be out of the Steelers reach, but expect Pittsburgh to do their due diligence.
MDDB Big Board: Week 2, No. 2, QB2
Season Stats: 36-of-60 (60%), 465 yards (7.75 y/a), 5 TD, 2 INT
TROY PICK-SIX ON CADE KLUBNIK.
THEY LEAD #8 CLEMSON 16-0 🚨
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 6, 2025
STOCK DOWN: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Klubnik has had a very rough start to the 2025 season. It has gotten to the...
