10 College QBs Emerge as Mendoza Leap Candidates After Fernando Mendoza's 38-Point Efficiency Jump
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 31
10 College QBs Emerge as Mendoza Leap Candidates After Fernando Mendoza's 38-Point Efficiency Jump
1 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 31
Summary
Ten college quarterbacks were flagged as potential "Mendoza Leap" breakouts, modeled on Fernando Mendoza’s rise from a 144.59 efficiency rating at Cal to a nation-leading 182.91 at Indiana.
Arch Manning tops the list because his 2025 rating of 144.92 nearly matches Mendoza’s pre-breakout mark, though he must improve on last season’s 61.4% completion rate.
Indiana transfer Josh Hoover and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton follow with clearer paths: Hoover needs to cut a 3.2% interception rate, while Stockton must add more downfield production after only four 40-plus-yard completions.
The rest of the group spans proven but inconsistent starters and raw transfers, including Conner Weigman, Kevin Jennings, Katin Houser, Ethan Grunkemeyer, John Mateer, Austin Simmons and Alberto Mendoza.
The exercise underscores how one dramatic quarterback jump can reshape a season—Fernando Mendoza turned a transfer to Indiana into a Heisman Trophy, a 16-0 title run and the No. 1 NFL draft pick.