The race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft just got a lot more interesting. While Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has dominated the headlines with a historic Heisman campaign, a new challenger is emerging in the eyes of NFL evaluators.
During a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” analyst Jordan Rodgers threw a wrench into the presumptive narrative, suggesting the top prize next April might not belong to the Hoosiers’ star after all.
Can Dante Moore Overtake Fernando Mendoza for No. 1?
The player gaining serious ground is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Rodgers’ opinion might seem bold at first glance, given Mendoza’s trophy case. The Indiana signal-caller just wrapped up a historic regular season where he won the Heisman Trophy, captured the Big Ten title, and secured the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff. That résumé naturally places him under the brightest spotlight heading into the draft cycle.
“I think he absolutely can.”@JRodgers11 believes Dante Moore could play his way to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/WZTVCO8stS
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 19, 2025
However, a deeper evaluation suggests this isn’t just a hot take. According to Pro Football Sports Network (PFSN), Moore is already the consensus QB1 on its 2026 draft big board and ranks as a top-five overall prospect.
While Mendoza currently holds the edge in PFSN’s QB Impact Grade, 93.2 compared to Moore’s 85.9, the raw production numbers don’t tell the full story of Moore’s potential at the next level.
What Do Scouts See in Moore’s NFL Potential?
Moore’s scouting profile highlights exactly why evaluators remain so high on him despite the statistical gap. PFSN’s draft report emphasizes his performance under pressure, pointing specifically to his poise against elite competition.
“You want to see QBs deliver in high-pressure situations, and Moore has shown glimpses of that verifiable clutch gene,” the report states. “He was ice-cold against an NFL talent-laden Penn State Nittany Lions defense through four quarters and overtime, in one of the toughest places to play. And though a forced throw doomed him late against Indiana, he rebounded and showed resolve with a dominant performance against Rutgers the following week.”
The report acknowledges that Mendoza has slightly outdueled Moore so far in the QB1 race, but the long-term projection keeps Moore firmly in contention. At 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, Moore possesses nimble athleticism, effortless arm talent, velocity generation, and advanced touch at all three levels of the field.
His preference for operating within the pocket, combined with his accuracy and field vision at such a young age, has drawn comparisons to C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Some scouts even liken him to a less athletic Jayden Daniels due to the similar frames and arm talent being in the same tier.
How Does the 2026 Draft Landscape Impact Moore’s Decision?
There are still areas for growth. As Rodgers mentioned in the video, “He has more upside then Fernando Mendoza, I love Mendoza but the mobility of Dante Moore and the fluid throwing motion…he’s the most natural thrower in this entire draft class.”
Moore is just 20 years old and still needs physical development. His current weight of around 200 pounds may not yet be ideal for the NFL. Another year of strength training, mental refinement, and live-game experience could significantly raise both his ceiling and his floor as a prospect. His combination of arm talent and mobility, especially his ability to maneuver within the pocket rather than simply run for yards, is what makes him such an intriguing prospect.
The broader draft landscape may also play a role in Moore’s decision-making. The 2026 quarterback class lacks overwhelming top-tier depth, which could encourage Moore to capitalize on a favorable environment. Waiting for the 2027 class, which is widely regarded as stronger and more competitive, could significantly increase the challenge to his path to the top spot.
For now, Mendoza remains the face of the class. But as Jordan Rodgers suggested, Dante Moore’s combination of youth, upside, and NFL-ready traits may soon make him the most compelling quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and potentially the favorite to go No. 1 overall.
