The talk of the 2026 NFL Draft, like any other, surrounds the quarterbacks. This upcoming class of prospects features two signal-callers primed to be top selections. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza just wrapped up a Heisman-winning season. He led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 13-0 record en route to winning the Big Ten Championship. Oregon’s Dante Moore had an electrifying season as a first-year, full-time starter. He led the Ducks to an 11-1 regular season and a recent victory in the College Football Playoff.
Let’s review some of the strengths they share as prospects, as well as specific traits where one may offer more than the other.
Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore’s Strengths
The first attribute that both Mendoza and Moore provide to an NFL team is accuracy. Whether from the pocket or on the move, they can each place the football exactly where it needs to be. One specific part of the field where both quarterbacks showed their ability to fit tight-window throws was near the sideline.
Mendoza and Moore both have quick releases. The football leaves their hands with plenty of velocity. Not only can they instantly wind up to throw, but they also have the fluidity to quickly turn and set their base. Both quarterbacks throw from a strong platform.
Both signal-callers make good reads and decisions at the mesh point in the RPO (run-pass option) and read-option game. They make great use of their eyes to identify the conflict defender.
Lastly, both Mendoza and Moore are clutch. Late in close games this season, they stepped up and made plays to propel their teams to victory. Ironically, on the road against Penn State and Iowa, they each led game-winning drives. Mendoza threw a late touchdown to win on the road against Oregon. Also, to defeat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, Mendoza threw a touchdown in the third quarter to take the lead and went on to lead a game-sealing drive in the fourth.
Mendoza’s Better Traits
Physically, Mendoza has a bigger frame. Listed at 6’5″ and 225 pounds, Mendoza offers prototypical measurables.
Mendoza has gained much more experience. As noted above, 2025 was Moore’s first year as a full-time starter. In three years of college, Moore has thrown only 561 passes. In 2023, about midway through the season, Mendoza became the starter at Cal and maintained that role in 2024.
When throwing the football downfield, Mendoza does a better job of stepping up into his throws. He has displayed better downfield arm strength and accuracy. Moore does not always step up into his throws, which limits how far and accurately he can sling the ball.
Mendoza is elite when it comes to identifying leverage pre-snap and making anticipatory throws based on that leverage. One prime example came against Ohio State. Mendoza completed an 11-yard out to Elijah Sarratt. Before the snap, the cornerback was playing too far inside, and there was no safety nearby. Mendoza did not hesitate to throw Sarratt’s way, and the ball was placed exactly where it needed to be.
Moore’s Better Traits
Moore can effortlessly release the football from multiple arm angles. He especially uses this to his advantage in the screen game to avoid defenders getting their hands into the passing lane. Pair his quick release with his ability to throw from multiple arm angles, and Moore can instantly create unique throwing lanes for himself.
Moore does a better job of maneuvering the pocket. He is exceptional at keeping his eyes downfield while on the move. Mendoza tends to drop his eyes as he moves.
An underrated part of Moore’s game is his elite ball skills. He managed high snaps without issue. At the mesh point on RPOs and read options, he handled exchanges cleanly. Moore can quickly get screen passes out smoothly and accurately. Lastly, his run fakes on several play-action passes were exceptional.
