The paths of Fernando Mendoza and Tom Brady intersect in a surprising manner ahead of the NFL Draft. Mendoza, the newly crowned Heisman Trophy winner, has captivated fans and analysts with his remarkable ascent from being overlooked to becoming the standout player of the 2025 season.
His impressive performance has not only rewritten the history of his program but also drawn unexpected comparisons to Brady. Mendoza amassed 2,362 points, making him the first player in his program”s history to win the Heisman Trophy. This accomplishment capped off a season that solidified his reputation as a dual-threat leader and positioned him as a top prospect for the 2026 Draft.
In his acceptance speech, Mendoza shared a powerful message for young athletes feeling underappreciated: “I want every kid out there who feels overlooked to know – I was you. I was that kid too. I was in your shoes… I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams is worth it no matter how big or impossible they seem.” His words resonate with the philosophy that Brady articulated during his Hall of Fame induction.
Brady once said, “The truth is, you don”t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren”t; consistent, determined, and willing to work for it. No shortcuts… Life is hard.” Both Mendoza and Brady exemplify a strong work ethic, mental toughness, and unwavering focus, highlighting how preparation can often surpass raw talent in achieving success.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, there is speculation about whether Mendoza could be selected as the top pick. During his Heisman-winning season, he led his team to a perfect 13-0 record and secured the top seed in the playoffs. He threw for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, boasting a completion rate of 71.5%, which ranks him among the nation”s elite quarterbacks for accuracy and efficiency.
Mendoza”s versatility is further underscored by his total of 39 combined touchdowns. In the playoffs, he demonstrated his capabilities by throwing four touchdowns without any interceptions and completing 68% of his passes on throws traveling over 10 yards. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, he has the ideal frame for the NFL, with scouts praising his quick decision-making, mechanical consistency, and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Film analysis shows that Mendoza excels in pre-snap reads, post-snap adjustments, and making precise throws on short to intermediate routes. His ability to execute run-pass options and make layered passes against zone coverage showcases his advanced football IQ, indicating his readiness for the complexities of the professional game. In high-pressure situations, he has demonstrated elite anticipation and accuracy, converting critical plays when needed.
Against tough competition, he successfully converted a fourth-and-2 while under pressure, completed a 51-yard deep post, and threw a 33-yard go-route to secure victory, all of which display his composure and mechanical discipline. These qualities are highly coveted by teams like the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders, who are looking to address their quarterback situations.
With the NFL Draft looming, Mendoza”s momentum continues to build as he heads into evaluations, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for the first overall pick.
