Just days away from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, it has been revealed whether or not the consensus top-two quarterbacks in the Draft will be showcasing their arm talents.<\/p>\n
Indiana<\/a><\/strong>\u2018s Fernando Mendoza<\/a><\/strong>, the projected No. 1 overall pick, will not be throwing in Indianapolis. Alabama<\/a><\/strong> quarterback Ty Simpson<\/a><\/strong>, projected as the likely second quarterback off the board, will be throwing for teams.<\/p>\n With a great showing in Indianapolis, Ty Simpson<\/strong> could cement himself as a bonafide First Round pick. Alabama has had just three quarterbacks selected in the First Round of an NFL Draft this decade (Bryce Young<\/a><\/strong>, Mac Jones<\/a><\/strong>, and Tua Tagovailoa<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson will throw at next week\u2019s NFL combine, per source \u2014 an opportunity to solidify his status as a first-round pick.<\/p>\n Simpson is the consensus QB2 behind presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who has said he\u2019ll wait and throw at pro day. pic.twitter.com\/owZ4y9njpA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Mendoza will not throw until Indiana<\/strong>\u2018s Pro Day, he revealed during appearance on \u2018The Pat McAfee Show\u2018 prior to Super Bowl LX.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the combine, you\u2019re throwing to different receivers, it\u2019s a whole different thing,\u201d Mendoza told McAfee. \u201cI want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n In Mel Kiper Jr.<\/strong>\u2018s most recent Mock Draft, Mendoza is tabbed as the No. 1 overall prospect. Ty Simpson<\/strong> just cracked Kiper Jr.\u2019s top-25 at No. 25.<\/p>\n Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson project as top-two quarterbacks in NFL Draft<\/p>\n In his lone season at\u00a0Indiana<\/strong>, Mendoza exploded into the best player in college football. The\u00a0Cal<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0transfer totaled 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions, leading the Hoosiers to an unblemished 16-0 season. Along with winning a National Championship, Mendoza was named the Heisman Trophy winner and the National Championship Game MVP.<\/p>\n The Raiders are thirsting for success, as they have not won a playoff game since 2002 (AFC Championship). They suffered their worst season since 2006 with veteran quarterback\u00a0Geno Smith<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0at the helm, and a shake-up is desperately needed. Mendoza has shown to be an instant impact player who could be the player to finally bring sunshine back to Sin City.<\/p>\n Ty Simpson<\/strong> also led his program to the College Football Playoff, where they were thrashed by Mendoza\u2019s Hoosiers 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. He recorded 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with just five interceptions.<\/p>\n Simpson was projected to be selected with the No. 21 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in ESPN\u2019s Field Yates<\/strong>\u2018 latest Mock Draft<\/a>. It has yet to be revealed whether or not future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers<\/a><\/strong> will return to play for Pittsburgh next season, making the selection of a quarterback a no-brainer for Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n\n