Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Fernando Mendoza has now been compared to one of college football’s rising quarterback prospects.

Mendoza became the Raiders’ first Day 1 quarterback selection since JaMarcus Russell in 2007. According to a report by Tyler Horka of Blue & Gold/Notre Dame Football, an opposing coach said that there is a player who is more talented. 

“I would imagine that they take the cuffs off [quarterback CJ Carr] a little more," said the analyst. "I thought he was very good last year, but I also thought that they asked little of him. Create isolation routes, get the ball to the right guy. And [Carr] is more talented than Fernando Mendoza. That’s saying a lot.”

Following the comparison with Mendoza, CJ Carr will look to lead Notre Dame from the front to a first national title since 1988. 

The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive freshman season with the Fighting Irish in 2025, completing 195 passes for 66.6 percent and throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. 

Still, Mendoza's 2025 season remains a high benchmark, as he won the Heisman Trophy, racking up 3535 yards and 41 touchdowns.

While Carr’s numbers may not yet match Mendoza’s production, he earned a CFB Offensive Impact Grade of 88.5 last season, as per PFSN. 

But at the same time, his production dipped noticeably against ranked Power 4 opponents last year, managing six passing touchdowns, five interceptions, and 6.3 yards per pass in four games.

Against everyone else, Carr dominated with 18 touchdown passes, just one pick, and 10.2 yards per attempt.

While Mendoza already proved himself at the college level and in the draft process, Carr is now beginning to generate similar attention among scouts. 

Scouts Believe CJ Carr Could Rise Quickly in 2027 NFL Draft Race

According to Jordan Reid of ESPN, NFL fans should keep an eye on the top quarterback prospects in this 2026 college football season. Reid pointed out that Carr could emerge as one of the top quarterback prospects in college football.  

Reid praised Carr’s smooth mechanics, noting that his effortless throwing motion produces tight spirals. He added that when Carr stays in rhythm, his footwork and vision stay aligned

The analyst is also confident that Carr would become a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. 

“Multiple scouts indicate Carr is the most popular choice as the signal-caller who could shoot high in Round 1,” Reid added. “Notre Dame lost a lot of top skill players last season, so if Carr can shoulder the load and play well, his stock will rise."

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, too, tagged Carr as the "sneaky riser" when it comes to first-round hype.

With expectations continuing to rise around Carr at Notre Dame, the 2026 season could become a defining year in his pursuit of becoming the next first-round quarterback prospect.

What are your thoughts on Carr's comparison with Mendoza? Share in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar