Francisco Mendoza, QB Indiana, 6'5" 225 lbs
Sportsvival breaks down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. Today’s profile focuses on Francisco Mendoza, a towering dual‑threat quarterback who pairs advanced processing with downfield accuracy and the athleticism to make plays outside structure, a profile that already has him in conversation as possibly the top QB selected in April’s draft.
Background and recruit profile
High school: Christopher Columbus High (Miami, FL); developed into a high‑level prospect before beginning his college career at California and transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season.
Recruit rating and trajectory: Rapid ascension through college development, earning national attention after leading Indiana’s offense and generating Heisman‑level buzz during the 2025 campaign.
Physical profile and measurables
Height and weight: 6 ft 5 in; listed at 225 lbs.
Frame and length: Pro‑prototype frame with NFL pocket presence and room to add functional mass without sacrificing mobility.
Athletic traits: Strong, decisive mobility for his size; can extend plays with the legs while keeping eyes downfield to create big‑play opportunities.
College Stats
2022- (California)
Status: Redshirted; no recorded college passing stats during initial enrollment at California.
2023 (California)
Completions/Attempts: 153 / 243
Completion %: 63.0%
Passing Yards: 1,708
Touchdowns / Interceptions: 14 / 10
Passer Rating: 132.8
2024 (California)
Completions/Attempts: 265 / 386
Completion %: 68.7%
Passing Yards: 3,004
Touchdowns / Interceptions: 16 / 6
Passer Rating: 144.6
2025 as on 11-7-25 (Indiana)
Completions/Attempts: 162 / 224
Completion %: 72.3%
Passing Yards: 2,124
Touchdowns / Interceptions: 25 / 4
Passer Rating: 185.2
Strengths
Downfield accuracy and timing: Consistent placement on intermediate and deep throws; anticipatory reads that let receivers gain yards after the catch.
Processing and pre‑snap manipulation: Uses cadence and eye manipulation to create favorable matchups and simplify post‑snap reads.
Dual‑threat extension: Above‑average mobility for his size; makes timely scrambles and designed runs that open play‑action windows.
Production under pressure: Strong touchdown‑to‑interception ratio and efficiency in high‑leverage situations.
Weaknesses
Deep‑ball velocity: Some throws need improved zip to consistently challenge elite NFL coverage on the fly.
Processing against elite pressure fronts: Will benefit from added reps against top blitz packages to quicken progressions under duress.
Durability and workload: High college snap counts bring standard pre‑draft emphasis on conditioning and medical checks.
Player profile and projection
Draft projection: Top quarterback candidate and a legitimate contender to be the first QB taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Role projection: Immediate starter with franchise upside, a multi‑level threat who fits modern intermediate‑to‑deep NFL schemes.
Ceiling and floor: Floor is a high‑quality starting quarterback who runs efficient passing offenses and adds scramble value; ceiling is a bona fide franchise QB capable of elite seasons with the right supporting cast.
Pro comparison
Primary comparison: He reminds Sportsvival of Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence, similar 6'5"+ frame, pocket presence, processing and downfield timing, plus the mobility to extend plays and create downfield opportunities. Mendoza shares Lawrence’s blend of size and timing while projecting to add strength and polish against NFL pressure.
Sportsvival view
Sportsvival views Francisco Mendoza as one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2026 window: a polished, high‑ceiling passer whose 2025 production (2,124 yards, 25 TD, 4 INT) and team impact make him a legitimate candidate to be the top QB selected in April. Continued refinement of arm strength and clean pre‑draft medicals should cement his status as an elite Day‑1 option for teams seeking a franchise signal‑caller.
(photo courtesy of Fan Duel)