NFL Scout Predicts Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza 'To Be a Baller in' NFL After Transfer

A change of scenery could provide an excellent opportunity for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Matt Miller of ESPN reported that Mendoza could be a draft riser after transferring to the Hoosiers from Cal.

"Watch that dude throw back-shoulder fades and you see the touch, timing and power to be a baller in the NFL," an NFC East scout told Miller.

The scout told Miller that the linger questions around Mendoza are about how playing behind a weak Cal offensive line impacted his decision-making.

"He got hit and pressured a lot last year behind a bad O-line, so that's something to watch for this year." the same scout told Miller. "Is he a little traumatized by what he had in front of him last year?" .

Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Golden Bears in 2024. He added 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Mendoza, at 6'5'' and 225 pounds, will be joining a Hoosiers team that went 11-2 and reached the College Football Playoff in 2024. While the team will not fly under the radar this season, Mendoza should be set up to succeed in head coach Curt Cignetti's system.

If Mendoza can show improvement with the Hoosiers, he could bolster what's already looking like a stellar 2026 quarterback draft class that could feature the likes of Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers and Garrett Nussmeier.