2026 NFL Draft Spotlights QB Prospects Mendoza, Simpson

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in Pittsburgh on April 23, all eyes will be on the quarterback position, where Indiana's Fernando Mendoza stands as the consensus top prospect and Alabama's Ty Simpson emerges as a polarizing figure whose first-round status remains in doubt.

Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the College Football National Championship, capping a remarkable journey from a two-star recruit at California to a national sensation. In his final college year, he threw for over 4,000 yards and multiple touchdowns while showcasing leadership that propelled Indiana to victories, including a Rose Bowl win over Alabama. Scouts praise his quick decision-making honed in run-pass option schemes, though some question his adaptation to pro-style offenses requiring full-field reads and precise footwork. Mendoza, who plans to watch the draft from Miami with family, has addressed the concerns directly, noting his experience across four offensive systems during college. "RPO forces you to read defenders and react in real time," he said in a recent interview. "You're making split-second decisions every play." Projected as the No. 1...