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Fernando Mendoza has spent the past year being labeled the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The former Indiana Hoosiers football star led the program to its first national championship and captured the Heisman Trophy, cementing his status as the face of the draft class.
But at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Mendoza made headlines for a different reason - enthusiastically cheering on one of his biggest competitors. As Ty Simpson stepped up to throw during drills, Mendoza could be seen clapping and nodding in approval as the former Alabama Crimson Tide football quarterback delivered a series of precise passes.
Ty balled out at the Scouting Combine
Simpson showcased touch, timing and arm strength, drawing praise from evaluators in attendance. Mendoza's visible support added an unexpected layer to a quarterback debate that has intensified in recent weeks. For most of the season, Mendoza was treated as a lock to go No. 1 overall, with many projecting him to the Las Vegas Raiders as their future franchise quarterback.
However, draft chatter shifted after former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky publicly argued that Simpson's early-season tape compared favorably - and in some stretches looked better - than Mendoza's. Orlovsky pointed specifically to Simpson's performance against Florida State, highlighting his ability to handle pressure, throw with anticipation into tight windows and work quickly through progressions.
The comments sparked strong reactions across college football circles, with some Alabama fans pushing back on the narrative while others acknowledged Simpson's upside.
Another comment fuels the conversation
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay has also fueled the conversation, ranking Simpson as the second-best quarterback in the class and projecting him to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13 overall in a recent mock draft. McShay praised Simpson's footwork, pre-snap processing and anticipation before injuries slowed his momentum late in the season.
Statistically, Simpson made a compelling case in his lone season as Alabama's starter. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions, flashing efficiency and downfield accuracy. While Mendoza's résumé includes a national title and college football's most prestigious individual award, some evaluators believe Simpson's physical tools and mechanics could translate to a higher long-term ceiling at the professional level.
That possibility has added intrigue to the quarterback race as April approaches. Mendoza's body of work remains unmatched in the class, but Simpson's combine performance reinforced that the gap may not be as wide as once believed.