Fernando Mendoza has never been shy about his ambitions. And now, with a national championship in his back pocket and the NFL Draft looming, we’re getting a clearer picture of just how far he’s gone to chase greatness.
A resurfaced interview from his days at Cal sheds light on the mindset that’s helped mold the Indiana quarterback into the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In it, Mendoza opens up about one of the more personal sacrifices he made on the road to college football stardom: staying single.
“I don’t have time for a girlfriend,” Mendoza said, matter-of-factly. “If I have one, I’d give her my all-from 6 to 9 PM hanging out, getting dinner-instead of grabbing food quick and watching extra film to reach the NFL.”
That kind of tunnel vision might sound extreme, but for Mendoza, it was a calculated choice. He knew where he wanted to go, and he understood what it would take to get there.
“I know myself,” he said. “And I know that college is such a short period of time.
If I have a really, really good next year or next two years, I can make it to the NFL-and I believe I will.”
He’s certainly backed that belief with results. After transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national title, capping the season with a 27-21 win over Miami. Tom Brady was in the building for that one, watching from the stands as Mendoza delivered the kind of poised, high-level performance that’s made him the top quarterback prospect in the country.
Brady, of course, is more than just a spectator. As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders-who hold the No. 1 overall pick-he’s got a vested interest in who the franchise selects. All signs point to Mendoza being that guy.
And if that’s the case, the Raiders are expected to tailor their coaching hire to fit their new franchise quarterback. With Pete Carroll out, the organization is reportedly leaning toward an offensive-minded head coach who can help develop Mendoza at the next level. Two names have emerged as frontrunners: Klint Kubiak, currently the offensive coordinator in Seattle, and Davis Webb, the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
It’s a pivotal moment for the Raiders, who are trying to build around a young quarterback with all the tools-and the mindset-to succeed. Mendoza’s approach to the game, even back when he was at Cal, shows a level of maturity and focus that’s rare, even among top-tier prospects.
“I live a three-minute walk from the facility,” he said in that same interview. “Our weight room, our practice facility, our stadium-it’s all right there.
I think that’s very important. Especially with the girls, it can be very distracting.
You might find your first love in college.”
But Mendoza wasn’t looking for love. He was looking for greatness. And now, with a Heisman Trophy, a national title, and the NFL calling, it’s clear that his all-in approach has paid off.
In a sport where distractions can derail even the most talented players, Mendoza’s commitment to the grind is what’s setting him apart. He’s not just preparing for the NFL-he’s been living like a pro for years.