Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore didn't have much of a Big Ten quarterback duel when Indiana beat Oregon in the college football regular season. But now that both QBs have led their teams to playoff semifinals, a lot more is at stake.
When Mendoza's Hoosiers have their rematch with Moore's Ducks in Friday's Peach Bowl in Atlanta, there will be a trip to the national championship game at stake. The outcome and the related performances will also help determine which QB goes to the top of the draft class in 2026.
With the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets having the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks and badly needing quarterbacks, the franchises will spend a lot of time on vetting Mendoza vs. Moore.
Between arm strength, accuracy, pocket presence and intangibles, there's a lot to like about Mendoza (6-5, 225), the Heisman Trophy winner, and Moore, a well-rounded talent. But their head-to-head stats will no doubt have some influence on who ends up coming off the board first.
Here's looking at their seasons before playing again, including what happened in the previous matchup on Oct. 11:
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Fernando Mendoza vs. Dante Moore season stats
| Statistic | Mendoza | Moore |
| Passing yards per game | 226.6 | 234.3 |
| Passing YPA | 9.6 | 8.8 |
| Passing TDs | 36 | 28 |
| INTs | 6 | 9 |
| Passer rating (NFL) | 130.8 | 114.5 |
| Rushing yards | 256 | 184 |
| Rushing YPA | 3.3 | 2.7 |
| Rushing TDs | 6 | 2 |
| Record | 14-0 | 13-1 |
Moore had more volume, but in terms of efficiency and every other category, Mendoza stood out as the worthy Heisman winner, with Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Ohio State's Julian Sayin making the cut over Moore as finalists. Neither Mendoza nor Moore would be considered dual threats with their running, but they have enough wheels to extend pass plays and rush for key yardage in big moments.
Fernando Mendoza vs. Dante Moore, head-to-head stats
Here are the numbers both QBs put when facing each other's tough defenses back on Oct. 11, played at Oregon's Autzen Stadium:
| Statistic | Mendoza | Moore |
| Passing yards | 215 | 186 |
| Passing YPA | 6.9 | 5.5 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| INTs | 1 | 2 |
| Passer rating (NFL) | 82.1 | 61.6 |
| Rushing yards | 31 | -27 |
| Rushing YPA | 5.2 | -3.0 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 0 |
| Points score | 30 | 20 |
That wasn't the best showcase game for either QB, given the respective degrees of difficulty. Mendoza did outplay Moore. Expect both QBs to perform much better as more seasoned and playoff-winning passers almost three months later.
MORE: Five players to watch in the Indiana vs. Oregon CPF semifinal
Fernando Mendoza vs. Dante Moore: Who should go No 1?
The Raiders already are on the clock for April 23 in Pittsburgh. Given the influence of former Big Ten passer Tom Brady as part-owner, he has a tough decision to make for the new face of the franchise. Mendoza, given his gritty profile and clutch confidence, would seem to fit better as the Raiders' savior.
Moore, meanwhile, might be the right QB on whom the Jets can take a shot with his mental and physical attributes to deliver for Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand, who coached Jared Goff in Detroit. Another QB such as Alabama's Ty Simpson could emerge in the conversation, but for now, Mendoza is the man.
There's a long way to go in the draft process, however, including the Combine and pro days. Mendoza vs. Moore started off mild, but it's become red-hot on the biggest stages.
MORE 2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NEWS:
- Expert picks for Indiana vs. Oregon CFP semifinal
- Ranking four teams remaining in College Football Playoff
- Predictions for Ole Miss vs. Miami CFP semifinal