Gang Green Nation
How to watch: Sat, 09/20 , 7:30PM/EST – NBC
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing names in the 2026 draft class. The Cal transfer has settled into Bloomington with confidence, showing week to week improvement in his command of the offense. Through the first three weeks of the season, Mendoza has displayed sharper footwork, better ball placement, and a noticeable cutback on turnovers. That steady growth will be put to the test in Week 4 when the Hoosiers host ninth ranked Illinois in one of the Big Ten’s marquee early matchups.
At 6’5” and 225 pounds, Mendoza fits the prototype NFL evaluators want at quarterback. He’s comfortable delivering the ball with touch and timing, particularly on sideline throws and intermediate routes. His pocket poise is an underrated strength. He’s willing to stand in against pressure and keeps his mechanics intact more often than not. While he’s not a true dual threat, he moves well enough to escape trouble and extend plays. The areas scouts will monitor closely are his decision making against disguised coverages and his ability to sustain efficiency when the pocket isn’t clean. Illinois is exactly the kind of defense that will expose flaws in those areas.
The Illini bring a disciplined front that can generate pressure with just four rushers, which means Mendoza will need to process quickly and avoid risky throws into coverage. This matchup will be the best litmus test yet for his ability to convert third downs and make plays in high-leverage situations. Through three games, Mendoza has spread the ball well across multiple receivers, but maintaining that rhythm against one of the country’s best secondaries is an entirely different challenge. A strong showing could push his name further into early draft conversations, while a shaky outing will raise questions about how much of his early success came against softer competition.
From a Jets perspective, Mendoza is absolutely worth monitoring. The long term quarterback situation in New York remains unsettled, and while veterans and short-term answers are in place, the front office can’t ignore potential franchise quarterbacks. Mendoza’s size, poise, and accuracy give him a safer profile than many of the raw, tools only prospects we see every cycle. If he continues on this trajectory, he could rise into the first-round conversation by 2026, and the Jets will want to be ready if he proves he can handle Big Ten defenses like Illinois.
