Fernandomania!

[Who Dee Knee]

Whether you were around to experience the original Fernandomania, what does everyone think of Fernando Mendoza of Indiana in terms of talent, Steelers fit, and projection? I just have a good feeling about him.

[Steelperch]

I think people need to tap the brakes a bit on this one a bit.

I watched Mendoza at Cal last year struggle against Florida State, Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC (granted Cal’s roster was ass.) I also saw Kurtis Rourke put up the same video game numbers (29 TD 5INT) in that Indiana offense last year after 4 mediocre years at Ohio. My take is that Curt Cognetti is the star here, not these retread QBs he brings in.

Mendoza is tall with a big arm and good accuracy. He also holds the ball a long time, isn’t super mobile and takes a ton of sacks. He’s more of an old school pocket passer than a modern dual threat QB. Maybe he’s the next Jared Goff. So far he really hasn’t played against many elite college defenses in his career. These next few weeks against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State should give us a better picture of him.

He’s certainly in the mix of first round QBs in the next draft, but 3 games against bad competition then an impressive showing over Illinois isn’t enough for me yet.

[Charles Demarr]

I like him, but like Perch, let's see what he does against Iowa, Oregon, MSU and Penn St.

Taylen Green is the same for me. His lack of accuracy is starting to show against the bigger programs. 56% completion over the past few games, 2 picks and 2 losses. Even in the early games he was a bit erratic but his WRs were bailing him out. Now he has ND, Tenn, A&M, Auburn, MIss St.

I wish Trinidad Chambliss was bigger. He's been ridiculous the past 2 weeks. Fun player if you haven't watched him yet.

Still dig Sawyer Robertson, just can't tell if he's an NFL QB. Seems more of a backup type.

Allar stinks, so he'll definitely be the Steelers QB.

[steelmann58]

I agree we need to see some of these Qb vs better competition but also looking like if the Steelers want a Qb they might not to have to trade as much of draft capital as thought

[K_C_]

All I hope is that the kid and the program keep winning.

He has all the tools for sure to be one helluva pro QB, but man I'd love to see IU make a deep run in the college football playoff.

[cop1211]

5th rounder.

[StillerDownSouth]

So far I from what I've seen, I prefer Mateer or Donte Moore of all the possible QB's in next years draft.

[K_C_]

5th rounder.

I'll take that bet.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think people need to tap the brakes a bit on this one a bit.

I watched Mendoza at Cal last year struggle against Florida State, Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC (granted Cal’s roster was ass.) I also saw Kurtis Rourke put up the same video game numbers (29 TD 5INT) in that Indiana offense last year after 4 mediocre years at Ohio. My take is that Curt Cognetti is the star here, not these retread QBs he brings in.

Mendoza is tall with a big arm and good accuracy. He also holds the ball a long time, isn’t super mobile and takes a ton of sacks. He’s more of an old school pocket passer than a modern dual threat QB. Maybe he’s the next Jared Goff. So far he really hasn’t played against many elite college defenses in his career. These next few weeks against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State should give us a better picture of him.

He’s certainly in the mix of first round QBs in the next draft, but 3 games against bad competition then an impressive showing over Illinois isn’t enough for me yet.

I think Carson Beck is the next Jared Goff, maybe. Or the next Trevor Lawrence. Looks amazing with a clean pocket and like a dirty-diaper baby when under duress.

Other than that, your take is spot on.

I posted this yesterday (added some notes for here):

1. Taylen Green (He's Tomlin-proof, in that he's capable just based on his talent. Floor is lower than some but he's pretty Lamar-like athletically; great leadership type)
2.John Mateer (Great football player, very talented and will do whatever it takes to win. A grittier, less gifted Taylen Green... Baker Mayfield)
3. LaNoriss Sellers (Was so so good as a Freshman. Has returned to the mean a little, but still has the tools and the qualities. Reminds me of the best of young Russ Wilson or peak David Garrard.)
4. Garrett Nussmeier (Perfect fit for a high-volume, pass-heavy offense, like MIA/MIN/LAR. Not a fit for NHALS)
5. Dante Moore. (limited starts–most likely goes back to school, has some issues throwing a consistent perfect spiral... but reads and eye manipulation are great & backshoulder fade is elite. Maybe the best compromise candidate, who could win in a system and out of structure)
6. Fernando Mendoza. (Classic pocket passer going to a league where that's almost entirely dead. Needs a team with elite OL & run game.
7. Drew Allar. (looks like Tarzan, plays like... meh. His college bio says, voted "Most Likely to be Drafted by Mike Tomlin & Art Rooney II")
7. Carson Beck... Like Mendoza but with a bit less heart and a bit more mobility
8. Cole Payton ... small-schooler but most likely to come from nowhere to starting someday. Looks the part, moves better than you expect.
10. Aiden Chiles... 2/3 of his game is NFL-worthy. And then he just has wild misses in the intermediate zones.
Throw 'em in a hat: Sawyer Robertson, Cade Klubnik, Mark Gronowski, Sam Leavitt (maybe one of these guys turns out worth more than their draft position but so many questions.

Josh Hoover and Arch have both said they are going back to school next year.

I haven't really watched the USC QB much; he's got some juice, though.

[jebrick]

I think people need to tap the brakes a bit on this one a bit.

I watched Mendoza at Cal last year struggle against Florida State, Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC (granted Cal’s roster was ass.) I also saw Kurtis Rourke put up the same video game numbers (29 TD 5INT) in that Indiana offense last year after 4 mediocre years at Ohio. My take is that Curt Cognetti is the star here, not these retread QBs he brings in.

Mendoza is tall with a big arm and good accuracy. He also holds the ball a long time, isn’t super mobile and takes a ton of sacks. He’s more of an old school pocket passer than a modern dual threat QB. Maybe he’s the next Jared Goff. So far he really hasn’t played against many elite college defenses in his career. These next few weeks against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State should give us a better picture of him.

He’s certainly in the mix of first round QBs in the next draft, but 3 games against bad competition then an impressive showing over Illinois isn’t enough for me yet.

I would say you have not seen his progress from his 1st game with Indiana and this last one vs Illinois. He makes the throws and has a cannon for an arm. Deep throws suck because he throws them flat. He he is hitting small windows on crossing routes ( which you would not have seen vs Old Dominion). At tricky one for him is that the offense he is in 1 one read. He makes it fast but still it is one read.

[K_C_]

I think people need to tap the brakes a bit on this one a bit.

I watched Mendoza at Cal last year struggle against Florida State, Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC (granted Cal’s roster was ass.) I also saw Kurtis Rourke put up the same video game numbers (29 TD 5INT) in that Indiana offense last year after 4 mediocre years at Ohio. My take is that Curt Cognetti is the star here, not these retread QBs he brings in.

Mendoza is tall with a big arm and good accuracy. He also holds the ball a long time, isn’t super mobile and takes a ton of sacks. He’s more of an old school pocket passer than a modern dual threat QB. Maybe he’s the next Jared Goff. So far he really hasn’t played against many elite college defenses in his career. These next few weeks against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State should give us a better picture of him.

He’s certainly in the mix of first round QBs in the next draft, but 3 games against bad competition then an impressive showing over Illinois isn’t enough for me yet.

I would say you have not seen his progress from his 1st game with Indiana and this last one vs Illinois. He makes the throws and has a cannon for an arm. Deep throws suck because he throws them flat. He he is hitting small windows on crossing routes ( which you would not have seen vs Old Dominion). At tricky one for him is that the offense he is in 1 one read. He makes it fast but still it is one read.

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think people need to tap the brakes a bit on this one a bit.

I watched Mendoza at Cal last year struggle against Florida State, Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC (granted Cal’s roster was ass.) I also saw Kurtis Rourke put up the same video game numbers (29 TD 5INT) in that Indiana offense last year after 4 mediocre years at Ohio. My take is that Curt Cognetti is the star here, not these retread QBs he brings in.

Mendoza is tall with a big arm and good accuracy. He also holds the ball a long time, isn’t super mobile and takes a ton of sacks. He’s more of an old school pocket passer than a modern dual threat QB. Maybe he’s the next Jared Goff. So far he really hasn’t played against many elite college defenses in his career. These next few weeks against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State should give us a better picture of him.

He’s certainly in the mix of first round QBs in the next draft, but 3 games against bad competition then an impressive showing over Illinois isn’t enough for me yet.

I would say you have not seen his progress from his 1st game with Indiana and this last one vs Illinois. He makes the throws and has a cannon for an arm. Deep throws suck because he throws them flat. He he is hitting small windows on crossing routes ( which you would not have seen vs Old Dominion). At tricky one for him is that the offense he is in 1 one read. He makes it fast but still it is one read.

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

This is very Jackson Dart-- the one read stuff anyway. it's the hazard of bring someone from this system into the NFL.

[Ice]

Maiava has been fun to watch so far, but those are two very good WRs he's throwing to, and the USC running game has been great up to this point, too. Does the bubble burst against Illinois? I'll be watching that one Saturday.

What a slate of games this weekend!

[K_C_]

I would say you have not seen his progress from his 1st game with Indiana and this last one vs Illinois. He makes the throws and has a cannon for an arm. Deep throws suck because he throws them flat. He he is hitting small windows on crossing routes ( which you would not have seen vs Old Dominion). At tricky one for him is that the offense he is in 1 one read. He makes it fast but still it is one read.

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

This is very Jackson Dart-- the one read stuff anyway. it's the hazard of bring someone from this system into the NFL.

...and we'll be finding out what Jaxson Dart has real soon.

I could not believe how terrible Russ was in the last game, especially in the 4th quarter. Damn near looked like he was point shaving.

Dart has a chance. Very confident and I don't think the moment will be too big for him.

[Ice]

The Giants managed to condense the whole Russell Wilson Experience into only 3 games. Our staff rode it, what,11 and an embarrassing playoff loss? Advantage Giants.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

premature deification

[Almighty Slacker.]

premature deification

A reaction to mature defication?

Still amused by that autospell gaff I see.

[Steeldrama]

I think Carson Beck is the next Jared Goff, maybe. Or the next Trevor Lawrence. Looks amazing with a clean pocket and like a dirty-diaper baby when under duress.

Carson Beck's on field demeanor has done a 180 this year. Kirby's used car salesman personality and Mike Bobo's dogshit offense nearly ruined that kid (DROP ANOTHER 100 BALLS YA BUNCHA TURDS!). Beck's fried elbow instead of a fried psyche will be his ultimate undoing. Still, as an unabashed fan of those 80's 'Canes teams, I'm enjoying their resurgence (Beck along for the ride).

Taylen Green (He's Tomlin-proof, in that he's capable just based on his talent. Floor is lower than some but he's pretty Lamar-like athletically; great leadership type)

WHAT A SLATE OF GAMES THIS WEEKEND! If I get stuck with JOE TESSATORE calling Green's game vs. the IRISH tomorrow I may punch a wall (Try the mute button, numbnuts). This game is ripe for an Arkansas upset (SEC! SEC!!). Ever cool, calm, collected Marcus Freeman rumored to be taking over playing calling on a once stout Irish defense. Should be a good test for B2B's guy Green to show off his sensational skillset.

John Mateer (Great football player, very talented and will do whatever it takes to win. A grittier, less gifted Taylen Green... Baker Mayfield)

Hell no I don't watch Washington State football so Mateer kind of an out of nowhere surprise for me this season. I need a magnifying glass to read Phil Steele's college preview, but he was on this kid early. I like the Baker comp. GAMER. I think Mateer a much better athlete.

LaNoriss Sellers (Was so so good as a Freshman. Has returned to the mean a little, but still has the tools and the qualities. Reminds me of the best of young Russ Wilson or peak David Garrard.)

I cringed at the Garrard comp but no doubt a similar build. Most have soured on Sellers, but his hurdles include a brutal OL, less than stellar skill players, AND a dusted off Mike Shula. I had no clue that toolbox was still coaching at any level. Can't hire your buddies, ya just can't (I'm looking at you KIRBY, ya barrel of monkey nuts!)

Garrett Nussmeier (Perfect fit for a high-volume, pass-heavy offense, like MIA/MIN/LAR. Not a fit for NHALS)

Love LSU LB Whit Weeks posting pics with Lane's daughter's hand on his crotch the week of this fun matchup down in Oxford. Way to stir the pot, Jethro! Brian Kelly the most unlikable coach in the land so it will pain me to root against a very likeable Nussmeier but I agree he's not NHALS material (few are).

Dante Moore. (limited starts–most likely goes back to school, has some issues throwing a consistent perfect spiral... but reads and eye manipulation are great & backshoulder fade is elite. Maybe the best compromise candidate, who could win in a system and out of structure)

Whoever scheduled the Oregon/PSU game at the same time as Bama/Georgia needs to be shot. Big test for Moore here in the very cool white out environment. What say you Happy Valley fans? The Black Mike Gottfried gonna get career win #5 vs at top ten opponent?

Fernando Mendoza. (Classic pocket passer going to a league where that's almost entirely dead. Needs a team with elite OL & run game.

Dig him, but the Mendoza line jokes will write themselves should this kid end up with Tomlin.

Drew Allar. (looks like Tarzan, plays like... meh. His college bio says, voted "Most Likely to be Drafted by Mike Tomlin & Art Rooney II")

Soooo torn on going up to Pittsburgh for the NFL draft this spring. On one hand it's going to be a fun, wild scene. On the other hand I'm old and cranky and hate fun, wild scenes. Either way, I fully expect the Happy Valley contingent to go crazy after hearing the commish announce Allar's selection to your beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. You SUCK, Tomlin! GOOOO DUCKS!

[jebrick]

I would say you have not seen his progress from his 1st game with Indiana and this last one vs Illinois. He makes the throws and has a cannon for an arm. Deep throws suck because he throws them flat. He he is hitting small windows on crossing routes ( which you would not have seen vs Old Dominion). At tricky one for him is that the offense he is in 1 one read. He makes it fast but still it is one read.

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

This is very Jackson Dart-- the one read stuff anyway. it's the hazard of bring someone from this system into the NFL.

Roethlesberger was a spread QB from a small school but he had a live arm and was very accurate. Not that this guy is Ben but there are very few college Qbs running pro style offenses.
We will settle for Allar

[bradshaw2ben]

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

This is very Jackson Dart-- the one read stuff anyway. it's the hazard of bring someone from this system into the NFL.

...and we'll be finding out what Jaxson Dart has real soon.

I could not believe how terrible Russ was in the last game, especially in the 4th quarter. Damn near looked like he was point shaving.

Dart has a chance. Very confident and I don't think the moment will be too big for him.

Russ looked like the yips to me

[bradshaw2ben]

This I agree with.

I was unimpressed early with Mendoza and said so here, but right now his accuracy and ball placement is NFL level. Like first round pick NFL level.

Sure, there will be games where Mendoza struggles, but Jesus Christ he throws a beautiful ball.

The deep ball right now isn't good, but I expect to see improvement in that area this season.

This is very Jackson Dart-- the one read stuff anyway. it's the hazard of bring someone from this system into the NFL.

Roethlesberger was a spread QB from a small school but he had a live arm and was very accurate. Not that this guy is Ben but there are very few college Qbs running pro style offenses.
We will settle for Allar

So many variables: is Tomlin still the HC? Is Arthur Smith still the OC? Is Art 2 still in charge?

Hard to believe all three of those are the same in 2026. My opinion about who the best choice would be is definitely dependent on those three people.

[K_C_]

Jesus Christ that was a tough game to watch, but that was a big boy Bradshaw like throw to Sarratt to win the game.

Sarratt's gonna be a first round pick too.

IU should have 3 with Ponds joining Mendoza and Sarratt.

[Steelperch]

Ponds is probably a second rounder. Corners under 5’10 don’t go in the first round very often. Especially ones under 180 pounds I’d never take one.