The Las Vegas Raiders hold the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and tonight’s College Football Playoff Chick-fil-A Bowl semifinal matchup features the top two quarterback prospects battling on the field. With both signal-callers viewed as front-runners for the first overall selection, their performances tonight will be scrutinized closely by scouts, coaches, and executives looking to evaluate their next franchise quarterback.
Live updates from the Semifinals
The game got off to a rocky start for Dante Moore, who threw an early pick-six. However, he quickly bounced back, connecting on a 19-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Despite Moore’s efforts, Indiana’s defense stepped up, sacking him three times in the first half and limiting Oregon’s offense. Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza has been nearly flawless, throwing three touchdown passes in the opening half. Mendoza’s quick releases and solid pocket presence have helped him avoid pressure, contrasting with Moore’s struggles under duress.
Time of possession is nearly even, Oregon with 15:05 to Indiana’s 14:55.The scoreboard tells a different story: Indiana leads 35-7 at halftime. For the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL scouts watching closely, Mendoza currently holds the upper hand in this live audition for the top draft pick. If the Raiders decide not to trade their pick, this game might make their decision easier.
Here’s a closer look at the backgrounds and draft profiles of these two standout quarterbacks:
Dante Moore: From Rocky Start to Resurgent Star
Dante Moore arrived as a highly decorated recruit from Detroit King High School, boasting two state titles and nearly 10,000 career passing yards. After a turbulent freshman year at UCLA, where he struggled behind a weak offensive line and threw multiple interceptions, Moore transferred back to Oregon to reset. He redshirted the 2024 season, refining his mechanics and rebuilding confidence. That patience paid off in 2025, as Moore led the Ducks to a 10-1 record, completing nearly 73% of his passes for 2,447 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Despite a shaky start tonight, Moore has shown resilience. His stat line so far includes some big throws but has been hampered by defensive pressure. He completed just 50% of his passes in a tough first half and was sacked three times, making his performance a work in progress in this key draft showcase.
Fernando Mendoza: The Underdog Who Rose
Miami native Fernando Mendoza’s rise to NFL consideration was anything but conventional. Initially overlooked, Mendoza earned a last-minute scholarship to Cal, where he climbed from third-string to starter mid-2024, throwing for over 3,000 yards despite an offensive line that allowed the fifth-most sacks nationally. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to Indiana in 2025 to join a quarterback-friendly system and reunite with his brother Alberto.
Mendoza has dominated early in the 2025 season and tonight’s game, throwing for three touchdowns and maintaining near-perfect accuracy. His numbers tonight are impressive: 10 completions on 11 attempts for 110 yards and 3 touchdowns overall, including 3-of-3 for 77 yards and a touchdown on throws over 15 yards, and 4-of-5 for 33 yards with 2 touchdowns when facing the blitz. His poised performance helped lead Indiana to a commanding 35-7 halftime lead and has NFL scouts buzzing.
As the second half approaches, the Hoosiers get the ball in to start but both quarterbacks have a chance to further boost their draft stock. Moore’s second half performance must be lights out in order for Las Vegas to consider him more than this year's Heisman winner.
If we look at the first half only, Fernando Mendoza holds the momentum in this high-stakes quarterback duel that could shape the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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