Klatt, McShay Praise Indiana QB Mendoza's Clutch Ability

Analysts say Mendoza is more trustworthy in crunch time than other young NFL QB prospects.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:36am

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback making a game-winning play, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant crimson and cream colors.Mendoza's clutch performances have made him a top NFL prospect, with analysts praising his poise and leadership under pressure.Penn State Erie Today

FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt and NFL Draft expert Todd McShay both believe Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza would be the quarterback they would trust most to lead a game-winning drive in the final moments, even over other top young NFL prospects like Caleb Williams and Bo Nix.

Why it matters

Mendoza's ability to perform in the clutch and lead comebacks against tough opponents in college has impressed analysts, who see him as a potential top NFL draft pick with the poise and leadership to excel at the next level.

The details

Mendoza quarterbacked Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and a national championship in 2025, leading multiple fourth-quarter comebacks against ranked opponents like Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State. His clutch play in big moments has Klatt and McShay believing he could be more reliable than other young QBs like Williams and Nix when the game is on the line.

  • Mendoza led Indiana to a national title in 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The star quarterback who led Indiana to a perfect season and national championship in 2025.

Joel Klatt

The lead college football analyst for FOX Sports.

Todd McShay

An NFL Draft expert and analyst.

Caleb Williams

A young quarterback who helped the Chicago Bears to six fourth-quarter comeback wins in 2025.

Bo Nix

A young quarterback who had five fourth-quarter comeback wins and led the league in game-winning drives for the Denver Broncos in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I think I would take Mendoza.”

— Joel Klatt, FOX Sports Lead College Football Analyst

“It would come down to Mendoza and Drake Maye, maybe. I'm armed with what I've seen in the NFL, which isn't fair. But if we're talking about college careers, absolutely, 1,000%. But even knowing what I know in the NFL, I still may [pick Mendoza]. He's different.”

— Todd McShay, NFL Draft Analyst

“Mendoza in crunch time is unbelievable. He anticipates, is accurate, smart and a great teammate. He checks every single box.”

— Joel Klatt, FOX Sports Lead College Football Analyst

“I don't think he [has] been around [Tom] Brady much, but you just get that same vibe where he's focusing on things that if you're in a classroom in high school and this kid's talking, with his arm raised, he's annoying. But armed with these 26 years of doing this and listening to the things he's focused on as a young man, I'm like, 'Man, he gets it.'”

— Todd McShay, NFL Draft Analyst

“He kept saying to me this last year, 'Every day I'm just trying to be the best Fernando Mendoza I can possibly be,' which sounds nerdy. Like you said, if you're in a high school classroom, you roll your eyes and you're like, 'Oh, OK.' But when it's real, then there's something to it and can clearly drive you toward being a great player in the future.”

— Joel Klatt, FOX Sports Lead College Football Analyst

What’s next

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Mendoza's poise, leadership, and ability to perform in the clutch have made him a top prospect in the eyes of respected analysts like Klatt and McShay, who believe he could be more trustworthy in game-winning situations than other young quarterbacks entering the NFL.