Total Pro Sports
Football fans want ESPN to fire Mel Kiper as soon as possible after one of his 2026 NFL Draft takes aged poorly.
On Friday, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to a blowout win over Oregon in the College Football playoff semi-final and Peach Bowl game. Mendoza threw for five touchdowns in a 56-22 victory.
Oregon QB Dante Moore had three turnovers in the humiliating loss. Moore and Mendoza are the consensus two best quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but the latter certainly strengthened his case as the superior signal-caller.
Before the Peach Bowl, however, Mel Kiper offered a hot take that hasn’t aged well. Specifically, he ranked Dante Moore as the No. 1 2026 draft prospect over Fernando Mendoza.
Thus, unhappy fans want ESPN to fire the legendary NFL draft analyst.
“Fire Mel Kiper,” a fan said.
Fire Mel Kiper pic.twitter.com/WAGEnGkzJe
— J (@JTrigga23) January 9, 2026
“What does Mel Kiper have on ESPN to keep his job?” wrote another.
What does Mel Kiper have on ESPN to keep his job? pic.twitter.com/IbA1a96Jnh
— Quitts (@Im_Quitts) January 10, 2026
“Dude needs to retire and go golfing or some shit. NFL teams…do your own research. Kiper will lead you to bust,” said a fan.
The game of Football has left Mel Kiper Jr behind faster than it has left the SEC.
Dude needs to retire and go golfing or some shit. NFL teams…do your own research. Kiper will lead you to bust. pic.twitter.com/ny8xDbIycU
— The Real Jay Bogart (@TheJayBogart) January 10, 2026
“Mel Kiper Jr. looking real clownish right now when he said Dante Moore was better than Fernando Mendoza,” a user commented.
Mel Kiper Jr. looking real clownish right now when he said Dante Moore was better than Fernando Mendoza
No way Tom Brady and the Raiders will heed that advice. Bro really trying to mislead the Raiders on purpose so that they don’t capture greatness for the next 15-20 years. pic.twitter.com/Ncvv9SonWY
— AS SEEN ON AI (@ASSEENONAI) January 10, 2026
“Who has ever heeded Kiper’s advice?” asked a fan.
Who has ever heeded Kiper's advice?
— Fantasy Football Kiss of Death (@FantasyCQU) January 10, 2026
“Literally how could Mel be so off? It’s not even close?” another commented.
Literally how could Mel be so off? It’s not even close?
— 8billiontrees.com (@EgoDeath1000) January 10, 2026
Only time will tell if the Las Vegas Raiders use the No. 1 pick on Mendoza or Moore. Barring any surprises, the New York Jets will take whichever one remains at No. 2.
In Kiper’s defense, he wasted no time updating his 2026 NFL Draft big board at ESPN. He now has Mendoza ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the draft, followed by Moore.
Like every NFL analyst, Kiper is going to be completely right and dead wrong...
