Fernando Mendoza had transferred from California to Indiana with one goal in mind. Becoming the best B1G Ten quarterback. Under Curt Cignetti’s coaching, he’s achieving that goal every week. But there is more in store for the Hoosiers’ QB1 concerning his future in the pros.

Draft experts Field Yates has Mendoza going with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the recent ESPN poll points towards a similar course. According to 25 NFL executives and scouts, Mendoza is leading the QB1 race with 13 votes.

No other QB is in close competition with Fernando. The second most votes received is eight by LaNorris Sellers. In the 2025 Draft, the rookie scale contract for the No. 1 pick was $48 million. With Mendoza’s latest spree, he seems closer to raking in that amount.

Interestingly, six wee

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