Fernando Mendoza just wrapped up one of the most iconic seasons in college football history - and now he’s ready for the next stage. The Indiana quarterback, fresh off leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and capturing the Heisman Trophy, officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday.
This move was widely anticipated, and for good reason. Mendoza didn’t just win - he dominated.
He became the face of a program that had never tasted this level of success, guiding Indiana to its first national championship and rewriting what’s possible in Bloomington. Now, he’s poised to make even more history - this time at the professional level.
Mendoza’s NFL Draft Outlook
Let’s be clear: Mendoza isn’t just entering the draft. He’s entering it as the projected No. 1 overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold that top spot, and while draft boards can shift between now and April, Mendoza’s name is penciled in across the league as the top quarterback prospect.
That’s significant. In a draft class that may include top-tier talent at multiple positions, Mendoza’s value as a quarterback - and as a proven winner - gives him the edge.
He may not be considered the single most complete player in the draft, but he plays the most important position on the field. And he’s done nothing but win at the highest level.
A Historic Moment for Indiana Football
Indiana has produced some solid NFL players over the years, but it’s been a long time since the Hoosiers had someone in the national spotlight like this. In fact, the last time Indiana had a player drafted in the first round was back in 1994, when the New York Giants took wide receiver Thomas Lewis with the 24th overall pick. Before that, you’d have to go back decades to find other first-rounders - names like Carl Barzilauskas, Eric Moore, and Randy Beisler.
But Mendoza? He’s on a different level.
He’s not just another Hoosier heading to the NFL. He’s a potential No. 1 overall pick - something Indiana hasn’t seen since Corby Davis went first overall in 1938.
That’s nearly 90 years ago.
This isn’t just about draft positioning. It’s about shifting the narrative around Indiana football.
For a program that’s long battled for relevance in the Big Ten, Mendoza’s rise has already changed the perception. If he finds success in the NFL, it could open doors for future recruits and elevate the Hoosiers’ status in ways that go far beyond one magical season.
Mendoza’s Journey: From Cal to College Football Icon
Mendoza’s path to stardom wasn’t a straight line. He started his college career at Cal, where he redshirted before eventually playing in 20 games. Then came the transfer to Indiana - a move that would prove transformative for both quarterback and program.
At 22 years old, Mendoza enters the draft with four years of college football under his belt, including a season that will be remembered for generations. He didn’t just win games - he elevated everyone around him. His leadership, poise, and ability to perform under pressure were on full display throughout Indiana’s undefeated run.
What’s Next?
Now, all eyes turn to the NFL Combine, pro days, and the pre-draft process. Teams will dig into the tape, interview him, and try to project how his game translates to the next level. But make no mistake - Mendoza’s stock is already sky-high.
If the Raiders do indeed make him the top pick, he’ll become the new face of a franchise looking for stability and leadership at quarterback. And based on what we’ve seen from Mendoza over the past year, he’s more than ready for that challenge.
From college football’s ultimate prize to the doorstep of the NFL, Fernando Mendoza’s story is still being written. But one thing is clear: the next chapter is going to be just as compelling as the last.