ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky continues to double and triple down on his take that Fernando Mendoza is not the top quarterback in the 2026 draft class. Instead, Orlovsky gives that title to Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
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One of Orlovsky's main point of contention is questioning Mendoza's ability in big games - which sure is something.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Orlovsky asked McAfee to specify which "biggest games" Mendoza played in this season. Without thinking, college football fans across the country instantly know that Mendoza led Indiana to wins in the Big Ten Championship, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and National Championship Game. It was a historic run that saw Mendoza deliver big moment after big moment.
It's obvious that Mendoza shined brightest in the biggest games last season, and the numbers back it up.
Fernando Mendoza's clutch gene destroys Dan Orlovsky's narrative
In six games against ranked opponents, Mendoza completed 73% of his passes and accounted for 15 touchdowns with just two turnovers. He also posted a PFF grade of 90.4 and a passer rating of 130.7. In other words, he was elite.
Fernando Mendoza in Ranked Games Last Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 25, 2026
🔴 6-0
🔴 90.4 PFF Grade
🔴 73% Completion Rate
🔴 15 TDs | 2 INTs
🔴 130.7 Passer Rating pic.twitter.com/L4l3q1stzE
In three games during Indiana's historic National Championship run in the College Football Playoff, Mendoza accounted for nine total touchdowns with zero turnovers. In that span he faced the No. 9, No. 5, and No. 10 teams in the country.
He led the Hoosiers to blowout wins over Alabama and Oregon by a combined score of 94-25, and was nails down the stretch in the National Championship Game against Miami (FL). Mendoza was at his best when it mattered most, and he always came up with the big play to get the job done.
It's one thing to debate Simpson vs Mendoza in terms of the higher NFL ceiling. Both are projected to be First Round picks, and it seems likely that both become starting NFL quarterbacks at some point in the near future.
But to diminish Mendoza's accomplishments in big game moments misses the mark completely. Mendoza's clutch gene is a big part of what makes him great, and NFL scouts know this. Orlovsky just continues to dig himself into a bigger hole by questioning Mendoza's performance in the biggest moments.