Oregon’s Dante Moore and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Unexpectedly Rise as NFL Stars
At the Rose Bowl two years ago, two freshmen quarterbacks, Dante Moore from UCLA and Fernando Mendoza from Cal, faced off in a seemingly inconsequential match. Fast forward to today, and both Mendoza and Moore are now leading undefeated teams, Indiana and Oregon, respectively, with top-10 national rankings and aspirations for the College Football Playoff. Their rapid rise has caught the attention of NFL scouts, as both players showcase promising potential in a quarterback class that’s been otherwise unpredictable.
Mendoza’s Remarkable Journey to Indiana
Fernando Mendoza’s path from a third-string quarterback at Cal to leading Indiana has been anything but conventional. Graduating from Cal, Mendoza found himself under yet another new offensive coordinator, prompting him to seek a system that could transition well to the NFL. Now at Indiana, his completion rate sits at an impressive 73%, with 1,208 passing yards, and he’s already tied his previous season’s touchdown count of 16.
Mendoza’s ability to adapt quickly to a new system and his breakout season last year have positioned him as a top NFL prospect. His linear improvement, combined with the support of seasoned teammates, has helped elevate his game to new heights.
Moore’s Delayed but Successful Transition to Oregon
Dante Moore’s journey to Oregon was a tale of delayed timing but eventual success. Initially committing to the Ducks before switching to UCLA, Moore found himself heading to Oregon after Chip Kelly left UCLA for Ohio State. This decision allowed Moore to thrive under Oregon’s coaching staff, delivering outstanding performances with a 74.6% completion rate, 1,210 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception so far this season.
Moore’s development benefited from a year of observation, learning from players like Dillon Gabriel and NFL stars during private workouts. His recent success has placed him as a Heisman Trophy contender, with a standout performance against Penn State solidifying his status as a top quarterback.
Impressive Statistics Highlighting Their Potential
| Quarterback | Completion Rate | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | 73% | 1,208 | 16 | 1 |
| Dante Moore | 74.6% | 1,210 | 14 | 1 |
High Expectations Loom as NFL Draft Approaches
Both Mendoza and Moore have become unexpected darlings of the NFL draft pool. Their ability to perform under pressure, combined with stellar statistics, has caught the attention of scouts. The upcoming game between Indiana and Oregon isn’t just about college rankings; it serves as a crucial evaluation for both quarterbacks as potential NFL starting quarterbacks.
With 16 NFL scouts expected at Autzen Stadium for this high-stakes matchup, the spotlight will be on these two rising stars. While Saturday’s game won’t dictate their entire football future, it’s a significant step in proving their readiness for the professional league.
