An expected move has taken place after the college football season. National Championship-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Mendoza, who also won the Heisman Trophy while leading Indiana to an undefeated season, announced the news on Instagram. He posted a highlight video along with text confirming his intentions to move up to the next level of football.
This decision now sets up one of multiple quarterback-needy teams to possibly select him in the first round of the NFL Draft, which takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This includes the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall pick after a 3-14 season.
Mendoza has enjoyed a meteoric rise after spending his high school career in the Miami area. He spent two seasons as quarterback for the California Golden Bears and threw for 4,712 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He completed more than 63% of his throws in both seasons.
Mendoza suited up for Indiana last season as a redshirt junior. He went undefeated as a starter and led the Hoosiers through the College Football Playoff while throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
He rushed for seven more touchdowns, including one on fourth down during the National Championship. This become a pivotal play in the 27-21 win over the University of Miami.
FERNANDO. MENDOZA.
AN UNREAL PLAY ON 4TH DOWN.
🎥 @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/n4px2MUQYp
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 20, 2026
The Heisman Trophy winner will have no shortage of suitors heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, but not many expect him to fall beyond the first overall pick.
The main reason is that the Raiders are undergoing an offseason of change. The team fired head coach Pete Carroll after one season and will move forward with a new leader in 2026 and beyond.
This new head coach will aim to find stability at the quarterback position after Geno Smith went 2-13 as a starter and led the league with 17 interceptions. He did not start in the season finale, a win over the Chiefs.
The Raiders have already shown potential interest in Mendoza. team owner Mark Davis, GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady all attended the National Championship game and watched the Indiana quarterback lead his team to victory.
