Copyright Heavy.
The New York Jets continue to do their homework on the top-flight prospects available in the 2026 NFL draft. uSTADIUM posted on social media that the Jets had “their entire brain trust (GM Darren Mougey, Rick Speilman, and 2 of their top scouts/directors) at Happy Valley today to get an up close look at Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as he faces Penn State. This is the 3rd time the Jets have been in-person to see Mendoza.” ESPN’s Jordan Reid confirmed that the Jets had a heavy contingent “in attendance at the Indiana/Penn State game today. QB Fernando Mendoza is a notable name prospect in that match-up.” Well the Jets Brass Saw a Good One Indiana kept their 10-0 undefeated season alive with a 27-24 victory over Penn State in Happy Valley. Mendoza didn’t play his best game. He finished 19-of-30 for 218 passing yards with one passing touchdown and one interception. Mendoza also contributed 20 rushing yards with a rushing score. However, he delivered when it mattered most. With 6:27 remaining in the game, Penn State capitalized on a Mendoza pick. They cashed in a touchdown, going up 24-20. That required some last-second magic from Mendoza to help his team. With less than two minutes remaining, Mendoza helped orchestrate a 10-play 73-yard drive. On third and goal from the seven-yard line, Mendoza hit wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr for one of the highlight plays of the college football season. Top Social Media Reactions to Mendoza From Jets Fans ESPN radio host Jake Asman posted, “I am fully prepared to campaign for Fernando Mendoza to the Jets. Let’s ride.” “Not the best Fernando Mendoza game but man that 2-minute drive was SPECIAL. O-line doing him no favors and he made some fantastic throws. Mougey has to love what he saw there,” the Optimistic Jets account reacted. “Yeah, Fernando Mendoza had some rough stretches today — definitely not his sharpest outing. But… that final drive? Ice in his veins. That’s the kind of moment that screams QB1 and Heisman buzz. Perfect fit for Tanner Engstrand’s offense. The Jets might’ve found their guy,” Connor Long of Jets X-Factor said. “Just a reminder for Jets fans: Jared Goff has been to a Super Bowl and multiple conference title game appearances. If Fernando Mendoza’s NFL comp is Goff (which I agree with), NY should be THRILLED. Loved what I’ve seen from him all year,” beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor posted on X previously Twitter. Jets Are in a Perfect Position to Land a Top QB in 2026 After a seismic week of blockbuster trades, the Jets are armed and dangerous. They boast five future first-round draft choices over the next two offseasons. If the 2026 NFL draft started today, the Jets would hold the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, per Tankathon. The only two teams currently in front of the Jets are the 1-8 Tennessee Titans and the 1-8 New Orleans Saints. The Titans took quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They wouldn’t take a passer in the first round. New Orleans poses the real threat to the Jets. However, that will likely take care of itself considering the Jets travel to play the Saints in Week 16. The result of that game will have major draft implications.
