The resurgence of Aaron Rodgers has given the Pittsburgh Steelers a legitimate shot to compete in an underwhelming AFC race. Despite his poor PFF grade, Rodgers is on pace to throw nearly 40 touchdown passes in what could prove to be the best offense this team has had since Ben Roethlisberger.
Unfortunately, Rodgers' run with the team could be one-and-done. While the 41-year-old has toyed with the idea of returning for another season, 2025 could be his last before retirement. Even if it's not, the Steelers could be looking to move on if things don't end well in the postseason this year.
Steelers fans are excited to scout college football prospects in an effort to find the next potential 'franchise' quarterback in Pittsburgh. Sadly, the best option in the 2026 NFL Draft already feels like it's off the table.
The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have a shot at QB Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft
Early in the college football season, it looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers would have a chance to steal a mid-first-round quarterback that came out of nowhere: Fernando Mendoza. The former California transfer wasn't a name that was on anyone's radar before the start of the 2025 CFB season. However, in his first year with the Indiana Hoosiers, Mendoza has flown up draft boards... too quickly, in fact.
At 6'5'' and 225 pounds, Mendoza has prototype size to operate from the pocket, while possessing a terrific blend of poise, velocity, and accuracy. Mendoza has the arm strength to rocket the ball into tight windows, while his ability to go through progressions and read the field is beyond his years.
All of these traits make Mendoza a fantastic gamble in the first round, and his NFL upside is undeniable. Unfortunately, the junior has already played himself out of the range of the Pittsburgh Steelers long before the 2026 draft.
Through his first seven games with the Hoosiers, Mendoza leads the Big Ten with 21 passing touchdowns. Meanwhile, his 11.52 adjusted yards per attempt and 191.0 passer rating are near the top of all Division 1 college quarterbacks this season.
Mendoza's spotless 7-0 record, dominant play, and huge performances this year (including a 30-20 win over Oregon) already have many NFL Draft experts eyeing him as the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the Steelers are sitting on a 4-2 record ahead of Week 8.
At this rate, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be on track to earn the 25th overall pick in the draft, per Tankathon. It's safe to assume that it would cost Omar Khan and the front office multiple first-round picks to move high into the first round, and if Mendoza ends up being the top player in the draft, a potential trade would not even be conceivable.
The 'Fernando Mendoza to the Steelers' buzz was fun while it lasted, but the young quarterback has already risen to the top of draft boards. Steelers fans will need to look elsewhere for potential first-round QBs before the 2026 NFL Draft.