Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky has raised some eyebrows around the NFL with his proclamation that Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.

And that includes Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana football to a national championship, winning the Heisman Trophy along the way.

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Orlovsky — one of ESPN‘s leading football analysts — discussed his contention on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

Orlovsky said Simpson had more impressive performances than Mendoza in the biggest games, and asked McAfee when Mendoza outplayed Simpson.

McAfee panelist and former Colts defensive back Darius Butler chimed in: “The College Football Playoff!”

Orlovsky got defensive in a hurry: “Am I not allowed to have an opinion and ask questions?”

McAfee responded: “So the College Football Playoff is a big mockery, a scam. … These games just don’t matter. What are the biggest games?”

Orlovsky pointed out that IU trailed Ohio State after three quarters in the Big Ten championship game: “Six points through the first three quarters.”

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NFL Draft is approaching: How Fernando Mendoza stacks up vs. recent top-5 draft picks

Actually, that was at halftime. The Hoosiers won 13-10 with Mendoza hitting Elijah Sarratt midway through the third quarter to complete the scoring.

McAfee noted: “People are saying this is why you’re getting paid to do this.” Orlovsky and Simpson are represented by the same agency.

Orlovsky became exasperated and denied that representation played any role in his opinion.

“No one is questioning if (Mendoza) is a tough guy or a good player,” he said.

Mendoza will almost certainly be picked No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Simpson is projected in the middle to late first round, though quarterbacks often get picked earlier than projected.

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Mendoza and Simpson met in the Rose Bowl, a CFP quarterfinal, on Jan. 1. Mendoza completed 14-of-16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns as the Hoosiers beat the Crimson Tide 38-3. Simpson went 12-of-16 for 67 yards before suffering a cracked rib and leaving the game late in the first half.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pat McAfee to Dan Orlovsky on Fernando Mendoza: ‘College Football Playoff is a scam?’