Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Historic Season
It’s official: Fernando Mendoza is headed to the NFL.
The Indiana quarterback, fresh off a dream junior season, announced Friday that he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. And if the projections hold, he won’t be waiting long to hear his name called. Mendoza currently sits atop the CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings - not just as the top quarterback, but as the No. 1 overall prospect - with the Las Vegas Raiders widely expected to make him the first pick in April.
This isn’t just another quarterback leaving college early. Mendoza exits the college ranks after orchestrating one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2025, captured the Heisman Trophy, and led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season - capped off by a College Football Playoff National Championship win over Miami.
And while his stat line in the title game - 16-of-27 for 186 yards - might not jump off the page, Mendoza’s impact went well beyond the box score. With the game on the line and Indiana facing a crucial fourth-and-5, Mendoza didn’t flinch.
He took off, lowered his shoulder, and barreled into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown run that put the Hoosiers up by 10 with just over nine minutes to play. It was the kind of play that defines a season - and cements a legacy.
A Career Built for the Big Stage
Mendoza’s journey to the top of the draft board didn’t start in Bloomington. He began his college career at Cal, where he spent two seasons honing his game before transferring to Indiana.
Across his three-year college career, Mendoza completed 68.6% of his passes for 8,247 yards, with 71 touchdowns against just 22 interceptions. That’s a resume that speaks to both consistency and growth.
But it was in the postseason where Mendoza truly separated himself. In Indiana’s first two CFP matchups - against Alabama and Oregon - he was nearly flawless.
He threw eight touchdown passes and completed all but five of his throws, with zero interceptions. That kind of efficiency on the biggest stage is exactly what NFL scouts dream about.
Draft Stock: At the Top and Rising
There’s no real mystery here. Mendoza is the top quarterback in this class, and with Oregon’s Dante Moore opting to return to school, Mendoza’s path to being the first QB off the board looks even clearer.
The Raiders, who are very much in the market for a franchise quarterback, hold the No. 1 pick. And Mendoza checks a lot of boxes for a team looking to reset under center.
CBS Sports draft analyst Ryan Wilson recently mocked Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1, praising his poise, accuracy, and ability to deliver throws on time and in rhythm. Wilson highlighted Mendoza’s NFL-level field vision and anticipation, noting his ability to work through progressions and hit second-level routes with confidence. While Mendoza isn’t the type of quarterback who thrives in chaos or creates magic outside of structure, he handles pressure well, keeps his eyes downfield, and delivers with touch and timing - traits that translate on Sundays.
There’s a calmness to Mendoza’s game that reminds some evaluators of Jared Goff - not flashy, but efficient and in control. And when you pair that with his leadership and track record of winning, it’s easy to see why he’s the consensus top guy in this class.
What’s Next for Indiana?
Replacing a quarterback like Mendoza is no small task, but Indiana’s already taken a big step toward filling that void. The Hoosiers landed TCU transfer Josh Hoover, who’s no stranger to putting up big numbers himself.
Hoover threw for 3,472 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025, completing nearly 66% of his passes. That came on the heels of a near-4,000-yard campaign the year before.
He’s not just a stopgap - he’s a legitimate talent with starting experience and a history of production. Hoover even brings a bit of mobility to the table, having added two rushing scores last season.
There’s a bit of full-circle symmetry here, too. Hoover had originally committed to Indiana under the previous coaching staff before flipping to TCU. Now, he’s back - and stepping into one of the most high-profile quarterback roles in college football.
Despite the loss of Mendoza, expectations remain high in Bloomington. Indiana landed at No. 8 in CBS Sports’ way-too-early Top 25 rankings for 2026 - a sign of just how much respect the program has earned during its rise to national prominence.
Final Word
Fernando Mendoza’s college career ends with a perfect season, a Heisman Trophy, a national title, and a likely No. 1 overall draft selection. That’s a legacy few quarterbacks ever touch. Now, the next chapter begins - and if his college story is any indication, Mendoza’s just getting started.