Rams Rookie QB Watch: Mendoza has Heisman moment

SB Nation

The Los Angeles Rams now hold a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as the Atlanta Falcons lost their fourth straight game. There is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to which quarterbacks are going

to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, this past weekend was a good test when it comes to which quarterbacks rose to the occasion under adversity. It was the week of the fourth quarterback comeback and game-winning drive. Let’s get into this week’s performances.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Rams were in attendance in Happy Valley to witness Fernando Mendoza’s fourth-quarter comeback and game-winning drive against Penn State. It may not matter, but it’s always nice to see how a young quarterback responds to adversity. This wasn’t Mendoza’s best game. Early in the fourth quarter, he threw an interception deep in his own territory to set up the Nittany Lions for a touchdown to take the lead. With the game on the line, Mendoza started the two-minute drill by taking a sack.

From there on, Mendoza was leading a game-winning drive as if he was a man possessed by Matthew Stafford. He had completions of 22 and 12 yards to put Indiana at midfield. He then had a perfectly placed ball along the sideline for a gain of 29. A 17-yard completion put Indiana inside the 10 with 48 seconds left. On third-and-goal and Penn State bringing pressure, Mendoza threw a perfectly placed ball fading away and his receiver, Omar Cooper, made an even better catch.

The Rams are big when it comes to P.A.C.E. (Performance after Critical Error). Mendoza responded in a positive way and led his team to victory when he may not have had his best day. The Indiana quarterback was calm and poised under pressure and never appeared flustered on the final drive. It was impressive and Mendoza had his Heisman moment.

2. Dante Moore, Oregon

Again, it wasn’t the best game from Dante Moore who was 13-for-21 for just 112 yards and an interception. He also only added four rushing attempts for 46 yards. However, with Oregon trailing 16-15 with 1:48 to play, Moore pulled out some of his best throws of the day. Moore was 5-for-7 for 47 yards, including an impressive 24-yard throw to put the Ducks into field goal range.

Oregon would end up making the field goal and winning this game. It wasn’t a pretty performance under pressure, but when Oregon needed Moore to make some plays in the passing game, he did exactly that. His 24-yard throw came at a big moment, in tough conditions, and in a hostile environment. It seems as if Moore may return to school for another season, but if he declares, this is a moment to remember.

3. Cole Payton, North Dakota State

The fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives were not exclusive to the FBS. Between 1894 and 2004, North Dakota vs. North Dakota State was one of the most-played rivalry games in the country. This is a game that matters for these two teams as they play for the Nickel Trophy. North Dakota State also lost the last game they played in Grand Forks at the Alerus Center.

North Dakota State trailed for much of this game. Payton was just 8-for-15 for 125 yards and a touchdown. However, after North Dakota failed to convert on 4th-and-1, Payton and the offense took over at midfield. The Bison quarterback completed passes of nine and 30 yards. Payton then took off and scrambled for what would be the game-winning touchdown. Again, these are the moments in which you want to see a quarterback rise to the occasion and Payton did just that.

4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

it may not have been the most dramatic fourth quarter comeback that required a two-minute drive, but Pavia showed up for Vanderbilt on Saturday. Vanderbilt trailed 31-30 heading into the fourth quarter. Had it not been for a turnover on downs, Pavia would have led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter to win the game. Pavia had a touchdown run to give Vanderbilt the lead and then had a touchdown pass in overtime to win.

Pavia threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns while adding 112 yards rushing and another score. It’s hard to completely write off Pavia as a NFL prospect. A team should take a chance on him on day three. However, his small frame at 6’0, 207 is a concern. He also struggles under pressure. Pavia is a fun college football player which is enough for now.

5. Ty Simpson, Alabama

It was another week of Ty Simpson playing exceptionally well. It will be interesting to see whether or not he declares for the draft. Simpson is one of the more inexperienced quarterbacks. At the same time, this isn’t a case as Anthony Richardson or Trey Lance. Nothing about Simpson’s game is ‘raw’. Richardson and Lance were players with tools who needed a lot of coaching.

Simpson has the tools and is delivering the ball with accuracy while layering throws over the middle. His touchdown pass came while fading away from pressure and delivered between two defenders. Simpson did lose a fumble in this game, and it was his fifth of the season. It’s one area where he does need to improve. There is a chance that Simpson returns to Alabama for another season, but he’s playing himself into a top-10 pick at the moment.

HM: Jayden Maiava, USC

I’m starting to buy into Jayden Maiava as a day two player in the NFL Draft. The theme of this week seemed to be how these quarterbacks responded to adversity. It didn’t get much more impressive than Maiava throwing an interception and then staying with the play to run down the defender and force a fumble at the goal line. Maiava has been one of the more efficient quarterbacks in college football this season. While he may be benefiting from the Lincoln Riley offense, he does have tools worth developing.