Hold onto your hats, football fans! It seems the offseason grind is bringing together some serious quarterback talent, and one photo is already sparking buzz about the future of the game.
This past Monday evening, a snapshot shared on Twitter/X by personal QB coach Jake Heaps revealed a fascinating training session: Will Howard, a promising quarterback, was seen alongside Fernando Mendoza, who is widely anticipated to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Heaps, a coach who has guided numerous quarterbacks, including former NFL star Russell Wilson, pointed out the impressive pedigree of both players, noting that they hail from programs that have won the last two college football national championships. It's highly probable that both signal-callers are currently honing their skills under Heaps' expert tutelage this offseason.
Heaps has a proven track record, having previously worked with Howard to craft a stellar Pro Day performance a year ago, a crucial step that ultimately paved his way to Pittsburgh. Remember that incredible Pro Day? Howard absolutely crushed it, completing an astonishing 65 out of 67 passes with only two drops, silencing any lingering doubts and ticking every box for the skeptics. He's already a National Champion, boasts 50 career starts, and is considered by many to be the best QB in the country with the potential to be a future franchise QB.
Heaps himself commented on Howard's readiness for the professional level in a 2025 ESPN feature, stating, "They had a lot of trust in him to handle a lot of, I would say, deep pro-style run checks as well as audibles — from a run to a pass, a pass to a run. These are all things that NFL quarterbacks are asked to do, that not a whole of college guys are asked to do." This highlights Howard's advanced understanding of offensive schemes, a rarity in college football.
But here's where it gets interesting... Heaps is now also working with Mendoza. Mendoza has opted out of throwing at the NFL Combine, instead choosing to showcase his arm at his upcoming Indiana Pro Day. This decision is largely seen as a strategic move to benefit his talented receivers, such as Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, as he prepares to be the No. 1 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Mendoza's draft position seems set in stone, Howard is in a different, yet equally compelling, situation. He's vying to establish his place with the Steelers. After an unfortunate preseason injury that resulted in a broken hand, spending the initial half of 2025 on injured reserve, and then remaining sidelined even after recovery, Howard is now focused on accelerating his development in 2026. If Aaron Rodgers doesn't make a return, Howard could find himself in contention for the starting quarterback role. However, if Rodgers does return, Howard will likely be competing with Mason Rudolph for the crucial No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
And this is the part most people miss... Regardless of the exact scenario, a strong training camp and preseason performance are absolutely essential for Howard. The expectations from the fanbase are already sky-high, amplified by the enthusiastic endorsements from the Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy, and general manager, Omar Khan. They are clearly fired up about Will Howard's potential.
Ultimately, this photo serves as a powerful testament to the fact that in the NFL, your starting point doesn't define your destination. Whether you're a sixth-round pick like Howard or a projected first overall selection like Mendoza, hard work and undeniable talent are the currencies that earn you opportunities. Both of these quarterbacks are poised to seize theirs during the 2026 season.
What are your thoughts on this unexpected quarterback pairing? Do you believe Will Howard has what it takes to challenge for a starting role with the Steelers, or is Mendoza's path to immediate stardom more assured? Let us know in the comments below!
