ESPN labels B1G quarterback ‘potential riser’ for No.1 pick in 2026

Year in and year out, the B1G has no shortage of quarterback talent. But some schools produce more NFL prospects than others.

After seeing Kurtis Rourke drafted 227th overall in 2025, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is likely to send another passer to the pros, only this time a much higher draft pick. 

ESPN’s Jordan Reid has called Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza a “potential riser” for the first overall selection in 2025. While it’s still very early, Reid gives the 21-year-old a 12% chance of being the top choice next April. 

Mendoza’s odds are fifth best, behind fellow quarterbacks LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). 

Mendoza transferred to Indiana from California, joining what Reid calls a “quarterback-friendly offense.” 

Reid isn’t the only one to have high hopes for Mendoza, either. Pro scouts are already starting to take notice as well. 

“I really liked Mendoza's tape," an NFC area scout told Reid. "He's the one to circle that could be a bigger riser, and Cignetti has a great track record with transfer QBs."

Indiana has not had a player drafted in the first round in 31 years. Only one Hoosier has been selected No. 1 overall— Corbett Davis in 1938. 

Mendoza isn’t the only Hoosier to garner first round attention this summer. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds has also been projected to go on opening night in Matt Miller’s most recent 2026 mock draft.

While there’s still a lot of football to be played between now and the offseason, if Mendoza can help the Hoosiers have a similar level of success this season as they did in 2024, he will significantly increase the chances of hearing his name called in the first 32 picks.