New York Jets Select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza No. 1 In ESPN's 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Indiana junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza has had a breakout season with the Hoosiers under head coach Curt Cignetti leading Indiana to a 6-0 start.

Indiana is ranked No. 3 nationally which is their highest ranking in school history, Mendoza has been the best quarterback in the country which a 71.2 percent completion rate, 1,423 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, two interceptions and an 84.6 QB rating which ranks seventh nationally.

The New York Jets are projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to ESPN's latest mock draft released Wednesday.

"The Jets are 0-6, and their offense is among the NFL's worst. Justin Fields hasn't worked outto this point, and New York needs more than just a franchise quarterback. It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season aftertransferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy." -Jordan Reid of ESPN

Beyond his statistical performance, Reid noted Mendoza is a "decisive pocket passer" whose "ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that's predicated on timing and accuracy."

Mendoza spent two seasons at Cal before transferring to Indiana. He had a breakout year in 2024, throwing for 16 touchdowns and 3,000 passing yards. He finished his 2024 season with a 68.7 completion percentage and a QB rating of 144.6.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder and Miami, Florida native was also recently named a Midseason All-American selection by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated.

At No. 2 the Baltimore Ravens are projected to select Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 2 overall. The Ravens' surprising 1-5 start.

At No. 3 the Cleveland Browns are projected to take Oregon quarterback Dante Moore at No. 3 overall and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 25 via the Jacksonville Jaguars holding two first-round selections in the mock draft.

Jordan Reid Mock Draft Top 10 Picks

1. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. Baltimore Ravens: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
3. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
4. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
5. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6. New Orleans Saints: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
7. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
8. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
9. Las Vegas Raiders: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Full mock draft available on ESPN.com.