Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making headlines. After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the No. 1 Hoosiers to their first national championship, he’s decided to enter the NFL draft rather than play another college season. He shared his decision on social media with a simple message: “Let’s get to work. I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft!”
Mendoza is expected to be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. Recent reports show that many experts agree with this prediction due to his standout performance this past season. Notably, Raiders owner Mark Davis, alongside Tom Brady and GM John Spytek, was seen on the sidelines during Indiana’s championship game against Miami.
His stats are impressive: Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, tossing an FBS-leading 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his mobility by rushing for 276 yards and seven touchdowns. In the championship game, he threw for 186 yards and executed a memorable 12-yard run that helped secure a 27-21 victory for Indiana. This win made the Hoosiers only the second team ever to finish a season 16-0, a feat not seen since Yale in 1894.
Mendoza’s achievements align him with a rare group in football history. If he’s selected first overall, he would join the likes of Joe Burrow and Cam Newton—both Heisman winners who also led their teams to national victories before being chosen first in the draft within the same year.
Interestingly, some potential rivals have chosen to stay in college rather than turn pro. For instance, Oregon QB Dante Moore opted for another season with the Ducks instead of entering the draft.
As fans eagerly anticipate the NFL draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Mendoza’s journey is drawing significant attention, reflecting the growing trend of college athletes making impactful decisions about their futures. Social media buzz around his declaration shows a mix of excitement and support, illustrating how connected fans feel to players’ paths in today’s sports landscape.
For further updates on the NFL draft and player statistics, you can check resources like ESPN or the NCAA website.
