Poll Results: Mendoza Favored as Top QB1 Pick in NFL Draft
The landscape of potential quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft is changing rapidly. Recent polling by ESPN, involving 25 NFL scouts and executives, has revealed that Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is currently favored as the top QB1 pick. This marks a significant shift from earlier assessments made six weeks ago.
Mendoza Leads the Poll
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): 13 votes
- Dante Moore (Oregon): 6 votes
- Ty Simpson (Alabama): 3 votes
- John Mateer (Oklahoma): 1 vote
- Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati): 1 vote
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): 1 vote
Interestingly, none of these quarterbacks received votes in the previous poll, indicating how dramatically the evaluations have shifted. Notably, all eligible quarterbacks still have remaining eligibility.
Changing Perceptions
The initial poll conducted on September 20 highlighted seven different quarterbacks, with Sellers leading at that time. Now, the sentiment has soured somewhat, influenced by the inconsistent performances from key players.
- Sellers and Nussmeier: Both have faced challenges in their gameplay this season.
- Drew Allar (Penn State): Suffered a season-ending injury.
- Arch Manning (Texas): Underperformed compared to expectations.
Mendoza’s Rise as a Prospect
Mendoza has made significant strides since transferring to Indiana. Under the guidance of coach Curt Cignetti, and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, he has improved his stats. His completion percentage now stands at 72.3%, up from 68.7%. He’s thrown 25 touchdowns this season, a notable increase from last year’s totals at California.
Performance Stats
- Touchdowns: 25 (up from 16)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 4
- Yards Per Attempt: 9.5 (increased from 7.8)
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza is an appealing physical prospect. His playing style shows promise, as he executes “wow” throws and has the ability to make plays under pressure. One scout noted his mix of decisiveness and downfield accuracy.
Emerging Contenders
Dante Moore has also emerged as a notable contender with a surprising performance this season. Despite starting only a few games in his previous seasons, he has thrown 19 touchdowns and achieved a 71.4% completion percentage.
Ty Simpson, who recently became a starter, has garnered attention for his impressive 20 touchdowns versus only one interception. However, scouts are divided on whether he may choose to return to college instead of declaring for the draft.
Brendan Sorsby has shown potential with his leadership skills. Despite facing difficulties in high-pressure situations, his development has caught the eye of scouts, who describe him as smart and athletic.
Conclusion
The upcoming NFL Draft is expected to feature a more competitive quarterback class than last year. Mendoza’s current standing as the top QB1 pick reflects a promising future, but with many scouts expressing caution. The performances of these young quarterbacks will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
