Mendoza's Rose Bowl efficiency (87.5%, 3 TDs, 92.9 PFF grade) showcases elite ball placement and poise under pressure.

In the Rose Bowl against Alabama, the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL draft completed 14 of 16 passes (87.5%) for 192 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, earning an elite 92.9 passing grade from Pro Football Focus—his highest mark as a passer for the season. The source credits him with three 'big-time throws' and highlights his ability to place the ball high but catchable into tight coverage, his poise under pressure with Cover 0 looks, his competence on bootlegs and designed escapes, and his willingness to operate from under center despite limited reps. His scrambling ability and vision to navigate congested backfields on third-down conversions also impressed, though his change of direction skills showed some limitations.