Is Fernando Mendoza a foregone conclusion for Jets in 2026 draft?

Justin Fields was given an opportunity to earn the New York Jets’ long-term starting quarterback job.

Through six games, Fields has shown he is not up to the task.

That knowledge should set New York up well for the 2026 offseason. Instead of hoping to sign their quarterback of the future, the team could simply draft their next signal-caller in the 2026 selection process.

At the top of the list of potential quarterbacks to come out is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

But is Mendoza to the Jets a foregone conclusion? Is it even worth it for the Jets to draft a quarterback in the 2026 class?

Jets’ future QB plans

Owner Woody Johnson must answer the big question of whether he trusts Glenn and his coaching staff to handle a rookie first-round quarterback. Robert Saleh was unable to do so with Zach Wilson, and Todd Bowles couldn’t do it with Sam Darnold.

Jets coaches have a history of struggling to surround their young quarterbacks with a system that works for them. Will Johnson allow the current staff to train a rookie?

Gang Green is expected to target a quarterback early in the 2026 draft. Mendoza is an excellent bet to not only be the target for New York but also be the first overall pick.

Through his first six games of the 2025 season, the Indiana product has completed over 71 percent of his passes for 17 touchdown passes and two interceptions. His play has not only catapulted the Hoosiers as a legitimate National Title contender, but he’s also become an easy bet for the Heisman Trophy.

So long as Mendoza continues to play at a high level and Indiana continues to win, his stock will grow. Executives around NFL have told Jets X-Factor that he has been an easy favorite for the top pick in the 2026 draft.

For a Jets team that needs a quarterback, Mendoza seems like a logical fit.

That it means that it is time to learn more about the 22-year-old.

Fernando Mendoza draft profile

• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 225 pounds
• Hometown: Miami, FL
• High school: Christopher Columbus (Miami, FL)
• Age: 22

Strengths:

• Accuracy is a calling card. Plays with anticipation and works well within an offensive scheme.
• A prototypical quarterback with all the intangibles for potential success.
• Good speed; can make plays with his legs off-script.
• Has played in multiple systems between Cal and Indiana.
• Decision-making has taken a major step since arriving at Indiana.

Weaknesses:

• Protection is a major factor for Mendoza. Struggled at times with the Golden Bears when the offensive line wasn’t good. Now behind a stronger Hoosiers offensive line, he looks like a completely different player.
• Doesn’t have the biggest arm in the world.
• Currently plays in a quarterback-friendly scheme. Will that be the same in the NFL? Especially if Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand are running the show?

Player Comp: Jared Goff

Mendoza is not the first quarterback recently to transfer to a quarterback-friendly system and reap the rewards. The most obvious comparison is Washington Commanders signal-caller Jayden Daniels (Arizona State to LSU).

Much like Jared Goff landing with a quality offensive coach in Los Angeles, Mendoza’s consistency and prototypical skill set can change an organization if he is placed in the right scheme with the right coach. He is the type of quarterback the Jets haven’t had in years.

There’s a long way to go before the 2026 draft, but if Mendoza continues to play like he has, and the Jets continue to lose, this seems like a match made in heaven.