Heisman Winner Mendoza Leads QB Class at NFL Combine

Top prospects aim to impress scouts as they vie for top draft spots

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, possessing all the traits teams covet in a franchise quarterback. However, Mendoza is taking nothing for granted, drawing inspiration from the path of Patriots legend Tom Brady, who was famously selected with the 199th pick in the 2000 draft. Other top QB prospects like Carson Beck and Drew Allar are also looking to prove themselves at the NFL Scouting Combine after facing adversity in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The quarterback position is always the main focus at the NFL Combine, as teams look to identify their future franchise signal-callers. Mendoza's performance will be heavily scrutinized, as he aims to solidify his status as the top QB in the class. Meanwhile, players like Beck and Allar are hoping to boost their draft stock and show they can overcome past setbacks to become viable NFL starters.

The details

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, possesses prototypical size, a strong arm, and the mobility and decision-making skills that NFL teams covet. He's the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick, though he's taking inspiration from Tom Brady's famous draft slide. Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia to Miami after a late-season injury in 2024, is looking to rebuild his draft stock after a strong bounce-back season. Drew Allar returned to Penn State last fall rather than turning pro, but suffered a broken ankle that ended his season early. Now he's trying to show NFL scouts he's healthy enough to be a high draft pick.

  • The NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this weekend in Indianapolis.
  • Mendoza recently spent time with NFL stars like the Manning brothers and Tom Brady as he prepares for the draft process.
  • Mendoza plans to throw at his Pro Day on April 1, rather than at the Combine, due to his longer college season.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University, considered the top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

Carson Beck

The quarterback who transferred from Georgia to Miami after suffering a late-season elbow injury in 2024, and is now looking to rebuild his draft stock.

Drew Allar

The Penn State quarterback who returned to school last fall rather than turning pro, but suffered a broken ankle that ended his 2025 season early.

Tom Brady

The legendary NFL quarterback who was famously selected with the 199th pick in the 2000 draft, providing inspiration for Mendoza.

Peyton Manning

The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback who Mendoza recently spent time with as he prepares for the NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever team drafts me, I'm grateful — whether it's the No. 1 pick or whether it's the 199th pick.”

— Fernando Mendoza (wsvn.com)

“You look at the beginning of the 2024 season, going into it, nobody envisioned that season to go that way, starting with myself. I didn't know I was going to get injured at the end of the season. I didn't know I was going to end up coming back to college for another year.”

— Carson Beck, Quarterback (wsvn.com)

“As soon as I really got back to school and started my rehab process my whole focus has been getting to this point, being healthy enough to have the chance to put myself out there and throw.”

— Drew Allar, Quarterback (wsvn.com)

What’s next

Mendoza plans to throw at his Pro Day on April 1, while Beck and Allar will look to impress scouts with their performances at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend.

The takeaway

The 2023 NFL Draft class is headlined by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who is the clear favorite to be the first quarterback selected. However, other top prospects like Carson Beck and Drew Allar are also looking to prove themselves and boost their draft stock after facing adversity in recent seasons.