The college football season is officially underway, bringing excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike. Among the intriguing storylines are the performances of two quarterbacks: Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza and Colorado’s Julian "JuJu" Lewis. Mendoza, who is the brother of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has transitioned from Indiana to take the helm as the starting quarterback for the Yellow Jackets. Meanwhile, Lewis, a highly regarded recruit, is entering his second season under the guidance of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
Both quarterbacks are not only making headlines for their on-field abilities but also for their potential earnings through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. According to On3, Lewis’s NIL valuation is projected at around $1 million, bolstered by partnerships with notable brands such as Taco Bell and JLab Audio. In contrast, Mendoza's NIL valuation is estimated to be approximately $1.8 million, although this figure may be on the higher side due to limited available data on his endorsements.
As the season progresses, the NFL Draft prospects for both players will also come into focus. Currently, neither Mendoza nor Lewis is considered a frontrunner for the upcoming drafts, but there is ample time for their stock to rise. Lewis, who will not be eligible for the NFL Draft until 2028, is projected as a potential fifth-round pick, according to the NFL Mock Draft Database. However, he is often absent from early mock drafts, which can fluctuate significantly over the two years leading up to the draft.
On the other hand, Mendoza is currently viewed as likely going undrafted in the 2027 NFL Draft. As a redshirt sophomore, he still has time to develop his skills and improve his draft stock. Mendoza was a three-star recruit in the 2024 class and had offers from various schools, including James Madison, Appalachian State, and East Carolina, before settling at Georgia Tech.
Heading into the 2026 season, Lewis has played only four games in college football. Despite being a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, as ranked by both Rivals and ESPN, he has limited experience, having thrown for 589 yards and four touchdowns with a completion rate of 55.3% in his debut season. Coach Sanders has indicated that he aims to alleviate some of the leadership burdens typically placed on a young quarterback, emphasizing the importance of focusing on execution rather than leadership duties.
“What I don’t expect, and this may sound crazy, but it’s real, because he’s a young kid, I don’t need my quarterback to lead us,” Sanders remarked during the Big 12 Media Days. This approach reflects a growing understanding of the pressures placed on young athletes, especially those in prominent positions like quarterback.
As the season unfolds, both Mendoza and Lewis will be under the spotlight, not only for their performances on the field but also for their potential to attract NIL deals and improve their NFL draft prospects. The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and these two quarterbacks represent the next generation of talent that could shape the future of the sport.
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