Fernando Mendoza Hit With Major Criticism – First Overall Pick In Question

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The 2026 NFL draft has a clear favorite to hear his name called before anybody else next month. After a terrific 2025 season with the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza is considered the top player in the draft.

The Los Angeles Raiders, who own the No. 1 selection, have done all the research on Mendoza. As great as he was in college, leading the Hoosiers to a 16-0 season and the national championship, some think Mendoza won’t enter the league as the best talent of his class.

An NFL coach told Mike Sando of The Athletic that Alabama’s Ty Simpson looked more ready for the league than Mendoza.

“It’s amazing he’s the first pick in the draft,” one team executive told The Athletic.

“I don’t think he’s surefire at all,” an offensive coach who has studied all the quarterbacks in this year’s class added. ‘I like the Alabama guy [Simpson] better.’”

Fernando Mendoza faced off against Simpson during the 2025 CFP. The Hoosiers cruised the Crimson Tide, 38-3, behind a solid performance from Mendoza (14 of 16 for 192 and three touchdowns).

Klint Kubiak’s Words About Fernando Mendoza Caused Concern

Back in February, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak shared his opinion on Fernando Mendoza. His apparent lack of commitment to the quarterback sent shockwaves through the league.

“Really talented guy with a bright future, and we’ll see where he ends up, but we got a lot of work to do to get to know him before that time,” Kubiak said

If the Raiders pass up on Mendoza, more teams will be interested in him. One even told him to get arrested, so he hurt his draft stock. With over a month until the draft, the situation could take a major turn.