Not only did Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza lead Indiana to the College Football Playoff, the star quarterback has also positioned himself as the early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Mendoza indicated that his goal in transferring from Cal to Indiana was play his way into being a desirable NFL prospect.
Mission accomplished as Mendoza also helped Indiana secure its first Big Ten title since 1967. Now, all eyes are on where Mendoza could go in the NFL draft if the quarterback turns pro after the college football season, as expected.
One team that needs help at quarterback is the Cleveland Browns despite the bevy of signal-callers on the roster. Cleveland is still looking for a permanent replacement for DeShaun Watson, who has greatly underperformed his five-year, $230 million contract.
Find out why some draft analysts believe the Browns are a perfect landing spot for Mendoza.
The Browns Predicted to Trade for Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in 2026 NFL Draft
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner’s latest NFL mock draft has the Browns trading up to land Mendoza. Cleveland moves up to No. 2 in the proposed deal with the New York Giants.
“The Giants could be in a great spot if they finish the year with the No. 2 pick,” Baumgardner wrote in a December 30, 2025, story titled, “2026 NFL mock draft, picks 1-18: How will non-playoff teams approach Round 1?” “They don’t need a quarterback and, despite their record, have enough maturing young talent on the roster to potentially make a jump next year. Trading back for more assets could be a big part of that process.
“Meanwhile, the Browns are in almost the same spot as the Raiders, depending on how much Shedeur Sanders changes the math. It’s time to make a choice about the next long-term QB.”
NFL Draft Rumors: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza’s Potential Landing Spots Include Raiders, Browns, Jets & Cardinals
Cleveland selected both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in the 2025 NFL draft. The results have been mixed during both quarterbacks’ rookie seasons.
The Los Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals are among the additional potential landing spots for Mendoza. All three teams could potentially be in the market for a new quarterback and are projected to have a high draft pick.
Mendoza is a sizable favorite in the betting odds to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft at -270, per FanDuel. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is a distant second at +350, but there is still plenty of time for things to change before April’s draft.
Fernando Mendoza’s NFL Comparison Is Lions QB Jared Goff
Heading into the Rose Bowl, Mendoza has thrown for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 71.5% of his passes in 13 appearances for Indiana. Mendoza has also added in 240 rushing yards and six TDs on the ground in 2025.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes Mendoza’s skillset is similar to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
“Assuming he declares, Mendoza has a good chance to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft,” Brugler detailed in a December 12, article titled, “How do this season’s Heisman Trophy finalists project as NFL Draft prospects?”
“His skill set is reminiscent of Jared Goff, who also didn’t have elite physical traits, but his mind and passing talent made him the top pick in 2016. We could see a similar situation play out with Mendoza in 2026.”
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Predicted to Replace $230 Million Bust in NFL Draft