Indiana Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Enters NFL Draft After Historic Season
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy and led the No. 1 Hoosiers to their first national championship this past season, is forgoing his final college season and entering the NFL draft, he announced on social media Friday. This move comes as no surprise, given Mendoza’s impressive performance on the field, which has made him an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza took to his Instagram account to share the news, writing, “Let’s get to work. I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft!” This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Mendoza’s career, one that is expected to be filled with success and accolades. According to NFL.com, Mendoza’s decision to enter the draft has been highly anticipated, with many experts predicting he will be the top pick.
Background and Achievements
Mendoza spent two seasons at Cal before transferring to Indiana, where he completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards with an FBS-leading 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 276 yards with seven scores, showcasing his versatility and skill as a quarterback. In Monday night’s victory against the Hurricanes, Mendoza threw for 186 yards and scored on a memorable 12-yard run that put the Hoosiers up by 10 points in the fourth quarter. As reported by ESPN, the Hoosiers became only the second team in history to finish 16-0 and the first in the modern era, joining Yale in 1894.
Raiders majority owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, and general manager John Spytek were on Indiana’s sideline before the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory against No. 10 Miami in the CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday. Their presence was a clear indication of the team’s interest in Mendoza, who is expected to be a key player in the NFL. According to CBS Sports, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was also considered a potential No. 1 pick, but he opted to return to the Ducks for one more college season.
Implications and Expectations
If the Raiders select Mendoza first in the draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, he would become only the third player to win the Heisman Trophy and a national championship and become the No. 1 pick in the draft in the same 12-month window. This achievement would put him in the company of notable players like Joe Burrow, who was the No. 1 pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 draft after leading LSU to a CFP national championship, and Auburn’s Cam Newton, who was the top pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 draft. As stated by NCAA.com, Mendoza’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Fernando Mendoza’s decision to enter the NFL draft marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. With his impressive skills and achievements, he is expected to make a significant impact in the NFL. As the draft approaches, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see where Mendoza will land and how he will perform at the next level. For more information on the NFL draft and Mendoza’s career, visit NFL.com/draft.
