Fernando Mendoza Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and is projected to be selected with the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza completed the 2025 season by winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship.
"I have so much more room to grow. Just because you fit that mold doesn't mean you're ready."
Background and Collegiate Career
Mendoza began his college career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he compiled a 10-10 record as a starter and finished the 2024 season ranked 36th nationally in passer rating. He transferred to Indiana University for the 2025 season.
In high school, Mendoza was rated between 134th and 140th among quarterback prospects and received a two-star rating from recruiting services. He initially committed to Yale University before accepting a late scholarship offer from Cal.
Mendoza graduated from Cal's business school in three years and was pursuing an MBA at the time of his draft declaration.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season at Indiana, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He did not throw an interception during the College Football Playoff. He led game-winning, fourth-quarter drives against Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State. In the national championship game against Miami, he scored the game-winning touchdown on a fourth-and-4 quarterback draw.
Mendoza's red zone statistics for the season included a 65.7% completion percentage with 27 touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
NFL Scouting Evaluation
According to a poll of five NFL talent evaluators (two general managers, one player personnel director, and two scouts) conducted by Sports Illustrated, Mendoza's strengths include:
- Accuracy on various throws
- Consistency in setting up receivers
- Willingness to attempt deep passes
- Anticipation and ball placement
- Toughness and clutch performance
- Quick release with a compact throwing motion
- Football intellect
The same evaluators identified areas for development including deep throw accuracy, arm strength (described as better than average but not elite), mobility, and sack avoidance. Evaluators stated that where and how Mendoza develops will determine his NFL career trajectory.
Draft Preparation
Mendoza did not throw at the NFL Scouting Combine but participated in Indiana's pro day on April 1, where he directed his own workout without a coach. He has trained at the Excel Performance Center in Southern California.
The Raiders' evaluation process included 11 live exposures to Mendoza from various personnel. At the combine, Mendoza had an 18-minute interview during which he installed a complex play on a whiteboard and later recalled it accurately. Following his pro day, he participated in a nearly two-hour classroom session with coaches and had dinner with team personnel. He visited Las Vegas on April 7, meeting with staff and ownership.
Personal Background
Mendoza has stated he follows Stoic philosophy and studies the writings of Marcus Aurelius. He has cited former NFL quarterback Tom Brady as an influence, adopting aspects of Brady's TB12 training and nutrition methodology, including specific dietary habits and sleep routines.
His mother, Elsa Mendoza, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly two decades ago and played college tennis at the University of Miami. Mendoza has stated his mother taught him to throw a football and was a significant influence on his development. He gave part of his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech in Spanish.
Mendoza had a speech impediment as a child and received speech therapy. He took public speaking classes in high school and at Cal.
Team Context
The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall selection, have new head coach Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko. The team's roster includes running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and center Tyler Linderbaum. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady has an ownership stake in the Raiders and is reportedly becoming more involved in personnel decisions.
Statements
"He is the most accurate quarterback I've been around."
— Chandler Whitmer, Mendoza's quarterback coach at Indiana, now quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"He's improved a ton emotionally and cognitively."
— Mike Pawlawski, retired NFL quarterback and performance mindset coach who worked with Mendoza at Cal