Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Scouting Fernando Mendoza: What Makes the Indiana QB a Wide Receiver’s Dream"
Episode Information
- Title: Scouting Fernando Mendoza: What Makes the Indiana QB a Wide Receiver’s Dream
- Host/Author: The Ringer
- Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The McShay Show, hosts Steve and Mitch dive deep into the performance and potential of Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback transfer from California to Indiana University (IU). With the NFL Draft looming just 316 days away, Mendoza has emerged as a key prospect, attracting significant attention from scouts and analysts alike.
Fernando Mendoza’s Background
Fernando Mendoza began his collegiate career at Cal, where he redshirted in 2022. He took over as the starting quarterback on October 12th of that year against Oregon State, showcasing his potential despite a challenging first season.
Steve [06:12]: "He began his career at Cal. He redshirted in 2022. Took over as a starter on October 12th that year against Oregon State. Played nine games, started eight."
In his initial year as a starter, Mendoza completed 63% of his passes, throwing 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. This performance was considered average, reflecting the typical ups and downs of a freshman quarterback adapting to college-level play.
Performance Analysis
Mendoza showed significant improvement in his second year. His completion rate increased to nearly 69%, with 16 touchdowns and only six interceptions over 20 career games. This upward trajectory indicates his adaptability and growth as a quarterback.
Steve [06:12]: "In 2024, completed almost 69% of his throws, 16 touchdowns, just six interceptions."
Despite his progress, both hosts acknowledge areas needing improvement. One critical concern is his tendency to throw interceptions due to challenges in reading defensive alignments, particularly linebackers dropping into coverage.
Mitch [10:55]: "He has a problem with reading guys who drop underneath, specifically linebackers who drop underneath when he's throwing over the middle."
Grading and Attribute Evaluation
The hosts employed a grading system to assess Mendoza’s key attributes as a quarterback, rating each on a scale from elite to marginal.
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Mental Makeup
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Accuracy
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Release and Arm Strength
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Pocket Mobility
These evaluations highlight Mendoza’s strengths in accuracy and arm strength, while also pointing out his need for better decision-making under pressure and enhanced pocket mobility.
Steve [10:34]: "I like this guy. You see those? Chubby cheeks."
Comparisons to Other QBs
Mitch and Steve draw comparisons between Mendoza and established NFL quarterbacks to contextualize his potential.
Steve [12:52]: "I gave him a Jared Goff comp."
Additionally, Mitch correlates Mendoza’s style to that of quarterbacks who have thrived in similar offensive schemes, emphasizing his fit within Indiana’s offensive strategy.
Mitch [20:46]: "If you think about the RPOs that Indiana wants to run... I'm optimistic that this kid could take a big jump this year in this offense."
Draft Prospects and Rankings
The discussion shifts to Mendoza’s standing among his peers in the upcoming draft class. Both hosts express optimism about the depth and talent of the quarterback pool, mentioning several other notable prospects like Nussmeier, Sellers, Clubnick, and Aller.
Mitch [29:14]: "I'm just gonna go off the top of my mind. I'm gonna rank them..."
The ranking reflects a healthy competition and suggests that Mendoza is among a group of quarterbacks poised to make significant impacts in the NFL.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Steve and Mitch anticipate a significant development in Mendoza’s performance as he gains more experience and hones his skills under Indiana’s coaching staff. They highlight Indiana’s history of successfully integrating transfer quarterbacks into their system, which bodes well for Mendoza’s future.
Mitch [20:37]: "I'm optimistic that this kid could take a big jump this year in this offense."
Both hosts agree that Mendoza has the potential to elevate his game, especially in high-stakes matches against formidable opponents like Oregon and Penn State. They emphasize the importance of observing his performance in these crucial games to better assess his readiness for the NFL.
Conclusion
Steve and Mitch conclude the episode by reaffirming their enthusiasm for Mendoza’s prospects and the overall strength of the upcoming draft class. They tease future episodes that will continue to monitor Mendoza’s progress and explore other promising quarterbacks.
Steve [33:44]: "This class is exciting. I laughed at it."
The episode wraps up with a promise to keep listeners informed and engaged as the NFL Draft approaches, maintaining a focus on meticulous scouting and insightful analysis.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Steve [06:12]: "He began his career at Cal. He redshirted in 2022..."
- Mitch [10:55]: "He has a problem with reading guys who drop underneath..."
- Steve [12:52]: "I gave him a Jared Goff comp."
- Mitch [20:37]: "I'm optimistic that this kid could take a big jump this year..."
- Steve [33:44]: "This class is exciting. I laughed at it."
Supporting Resources
- Full 1st Round Coverage: YouTube Live
- Subscribe to The McShay Report: Beehiiv Subscription
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Fernando Mendoza's capabilities and his potential trajectory toward the NFL, offering valuable insights for NFL enthusiasts and draft followers alike.