The NFL is officially less than a week away, which means Indiana fans are less than a week away from a Hoosier being taken with the No. 1 overall pick for the first time in program history. After what felt like the most magical season for the Hoosiers, going undefeated and winning the National Championship, Indiana fans get to continue celebrating with Fernando Mendoza's draft pick.
It has been known for a while that Mendoza is pretty much guaranteed the No. 1 overall pick, as the Las Vegas Raiders will be on the clock and in need of a quarterback to build around. The hype around his game and what he will be able to do in the NFL is real, and Indiana fans can't wait.
There is something else brewing, though, as Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has been talked about a lot as the draft has gotten closer. While Simpson has talent as well, let's be real in saying it is close to Mendoza's
The Ty Simpson hype came out of no where and it doesn't make a lot of sense
Mendoza didn't throw or do anything drills at the NFL Combine, but he certainly impressed at his Pro Day a few weeks ago, and has shown he has worked on his game since winning the national title. Playing quarterback at the NFL level is very different from college, and Mendoza has molded his game to the NFL model.
Simpson is definitely a talented quarterback, and one that could have a bright future in the NFL, but suddenly many have been talking about him being better and the most all-around quarterback right now. However, Mendoza is taking things a little too far and disrespects all that Mendoza has done.
On NFL Live, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel appeared on the show and talked about Simpson's talent and what he will bring to the table. He also said Simpson is the most pro-ready QB starting on Day 1 in the draft, which definitely doesn't seem right.
“He’s probably the most pro-ready, in terms of starting from day 1.”
— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2026
—Chase Daniel on Ty Simpson’s projections ahead of the 2026 NFL draft 🔽 pic.twitter.com/Jr7c0j4dpI
Some may want to remember that Mendoza beat Simpson in the Rose Bowl during the College Football Playoff in a game where Indiana scored 38 points, and Alabama only scored three. Mendoza in that game went 14-for-16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns, while Simpson was 12-for-16 with 67 yards.
Mendoza showed in his pro day that he is ready for the NFL, and that includes playing in the shotgun, something that is not normal for college QBs. While Simpson is a very smart football player, he needs to be able to play the QB position the way NFL players do, and to this point, he hasn't shown that.
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