Mendoza vs Moore: Who Should Go #1 in 2026 NFL Draft?

ATLANTA — The debate over who should be the first player off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft has shifted from the film room to the field. On Friday night, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore will meet in the Peach Bowl with more than just a spot in the National Championship on the line. For the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, this CFP semifinal is the ultimate scouting combine.

The Case for the Heisman King: Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza’s rise from a Cal transfer to a Heisman Trophy winner is the story of the year. He finished the regular season with 3,172 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and a staggering 72.3% completion rate. His performance in the Rose Bowl against Alabama was a masterclass in efficiency; he completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three scores in a 38-3 rout.

Scouts view Mendoza as the most pro-ready prospect in years. At 6-foot-5, he operates with a calm pocket presence that reminds evaluators of Jared Goff. He rarely puts the ball in jeopardy—throwing only six interceptions all season—and his 184.7 passer rating ranks second in the nation. For a Raiders team that struggled with Geno Smith’s turnovers in 2025, Mendoza represents the “safe” pick with a high floor.

The Upside Play: Dante Moore

While Mendoza is the polished veteran, Dante Moore is the high-ceiling athlete. The Oregon sophomore has thrown for 3,280 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Ducks to a 13-1 record. Moore’s mobility and ability to create outside the structure of the play are traits that modern NFL offenses crave.

In the Orange Bowl shutout of Texas Tech, Moore was efficient, if not explosive, completing 26 of 33 passes. However, the questions surrounding Moore aren’t about his arm talent—which is undeniable—but his consistency. With nine interceptions and occasional struggles with post-snap reads, Moore is the “developmental” pick who could eventually surpass Mendoza’s production if placed in the right system. The New York Jets, in particular, are rumored to be enamored with his athletic profile as they look to replace the Justin Fields experiment.

Head-to-Head: The Peach Bowl Reckoning

This isn’t the first time these two have met. Back on October 11, Mendoza’s Hoosiers traveled to Eugene and walked away with a 30-20 victory. In that game, Mendoza’s ability to manage the clock and hit intermediate windows was the difference. Moore, conversely, flashed brilliance but couldn’t overcome a stingy Indiana defense that has allowed just 10.3 points per game.

What They Said

“Mendoza is the guy you draft if you want to win 10 games next year. Moore is the guy you draft if you want to win a Super Bowl in three years. It’s a classic floor-versus-ceiling dilemma for Las Vegas.” — Senior AFC Scout

“I’m not focused on the draft boards. My job is to get this team to Miami for the title game. If the NFL likes what they see, that’s great, but the goal is the trophy in our facility.” — Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB

Draft Implications: Raiders vs. Jets

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the cards at #1. If they value the surgical precision and leadership Mendoza displayed throughout his 14-0 run, they will make him the new face of the franchise. If they decide to swing for the fences, Moore’s physical tools might be too tempting to pass up. Regardless of the choice, the New York Jets at #2 are positioned to take whichever quarterback the Raiders leave behind—a “consolation prize” that many scouts believe could end up being the better pro.