Everyone Loves Fernando Mendoza, But How GOOD Is He Actually? | HARD PASS Ep. #87

Fernando Mendoza has become one of the most beloved players in college football, but has that love turned into unrealistic expectations about his NFL future? 👀

Doug Kezirian breaks down why the Fernando Mendoza hype has reached uncomfortable levels, how the “halo effect” is shaping public opinion, and why being a great person and leader doesn’t automatically make someone a can’t-miss NFL quarterback.

From former players calling Mendoza the best QB prospect in a decade, to Raiders fans desperate for a savior, to media members glossing over his actual on-field flaws, Doug explains why context matters. Mendoza played in a perfectly structured system under Curt Cignetti, benefited from elite receiver play and one of the lowest drop rates in the country, and struggled most against top defenses ... all things being ignored in today’s discourse.

Is Fernando Mendoza being overrated as an NFL prospect? Drop your take in the comments and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Hard Pass 💯

“Because people love Mendoza the person, they view his football traits through rose-colored glasses … they have blinders on.” – Doug Kezirian

#collegefootball #cfb #nfldraft #quarterbacks #footballtalk #sportsdebate #nfl #raiders #cfp #indianafootball #bigten #fernandomendoza

HARD PASS Ep. #87

00:00 – Intro

00:21 – America’s Obsession With Fernando Mendoza

🏈 Doug breaks down how Mendoza became the most beloved QB in the country and why that affection is shaping how people evaluate his football ability.

01:09 – The Halo Effect Explained

🏈 Doug explains the psychological “halo effect,” why people overrate traits once they love a person, and how that applies directly to Mendoza.

02:19 – Why Mendoza Didn’t “Carry” Indiana

🏈 Doug explains how Curt Cignetti rebuilt Indiana over multiple seasons, why Mendoza wasn’t a one-man turnaround, and why coaching context matters.

05:30 – Weak QB Class & Raiders Desperation

🏈 Doug explains how a weak quarterback class and Raiders fan desperation have amplified the hype beyond what the tape actually shows.

07:32 – Liking the Player vs Evaluating the Prospect

🏈 Doug explains why Mendoza is a good college QB, not a generational prospect, and why likability doesn’t change NFL projection.

#NFLnews #SportsDebate #SportsPodcast #viralNFL #FootballTalk #SportsCommunity #cfb #cfbplayoffs #collegefootball

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