Key Jets leaders observe possible first-round quarterback selection Fernando Mendoza

Jets Scout Quarterback in Penn State-Indiana Game

On Saturday, Happy Valley was painted in shades of green and white.

The Jets made a notable appearance at Saturday’s game between Penn State and Indiana, sending a “large contingent,” including general manager Darren Mousey and senior football advisor Rick Spielman, to observe the Hoosiers quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, taking on the Nittany Lions. This was reported by ESPN.

In a draft year where a clear top quarterback hasn’t really emerged, Mendoza is often viewed as one of the leading prospects—at least for now.

As of Saturday, Mendoza was leading the Big Ten with 25 touchdown passes and had racked up 2,124 passing yards, helping No. 2 Indiana secure a 9-0 start to the season. Previously, he had thrown for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024.

ESPN’s Matt Miller recently discussed Mendoza’s impressive performance with Steve Serby. “He’s quite skilled in passing, showing good accuracy and touch,” Miller observed. He noted Mendoza’s compact release and compared his arm talent to that of Jared Goff. His mechanics, according to Miller, are clean, without unnecessary movements, and while he’s effective, he’s not particularly known for running.

In an ESPN poll, Mendoza received 13 votes from over 20 NFL scouts and executives as the No. 1 quarterback to watch for next year’s draft. The other quarterbacks that garnered multiple votes included Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

Currently, the Jets sit at 1-7, with hopes of securing the No. 1 pick in the draft. With Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor as the listed quarterbacks, it seems likely New York could draft or rely on a younger player moving forward. If the season wrapped up on Saturday, the Jets would hold the No. 3 pick, while the Titans and Saints would have the No. 1 and No. 2 picks, respectively.

Interestingly, the Titans aren’t currently searching for a new quarterback, as they have 2025’s top pick, Cam Ward, in their lineup. Meanwhile, the Saints recently turned starting duties over to second-round pick Tyler Schau, leaving room for possibilities based on his development.