Fernando Mendoza Announces NFL Draft Declaration After Historic College Career
In a move that marks the culmination of an extraordinary collegiate journey, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The announcement, made on Friday, comes just days after Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship, cementing his legacy as one of college football's most transformative players.
A Perfect Season and Championship Glory
Mendoza's decision, while widely anticipated, closes a remarkable chapter in Indiana football history. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers achieved a perfect 16-0 record, marking the program's first-ever unbeaten season. The crowning moment came in the national championship game, where Indiana defeated Miami, with Mendoza scoring the game-winning rushing touchdown on a dramatic fourth-down play.
The statistics from his final season underscore his dominance on the field:
- Threw for over 3,500 yards with 41 passing touchdowns and only six interceptions
- Completed an impressive 72% of his passes
- Added seven rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability
His calm decision-making, pinpoint accuracy, and inspirational leadership transformed Indiana into a national powerhouse virtually overnight.
Heisman Trophy and Historic Achievement
Mendoza's college career reached its zenith with his Heisman Trophy victory, making him only the third quarterback in history to win both the Heisman and a national championship in the same season before entering the NFL Draft. This elite group includes Cam Newton and Joe Burrow, placing Mendoza in rare company among football's greatest collegiate players.
Following the championship game, Mendoza reflected emotionally on the winning play, explaining how he recognized the defense's mixed coverage and made the split-second decision to run the ball himself—a testament to his football intelligence and composure under pressure.
Las Vegas Raiders Emerge as Likely Destination
With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza is widely projected as the favorite to be selected first. The Raiders' 2025 season was particularly challenging, finishing with a 3-14 record, highlighting their urgent need for a franchise quarterback.
The organization is undergoing significant changes, with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll no longer at the helm and uncertainty surrounding Geno Smith's future in Las Vegas. Drafting Mendoza would provide the franchise with a fresh start and a long-term solution at the most critical position. Numerous analysts have already identified him as the clear top quarterback prospect in his draft class.
Heartfelt Announcement and Social Media Buzz
Mendoza announced his draft declaration through a heartfelt video, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support. In a lighter moment that quickly went viral on social media, he humorously updated his LinkedIn status to "open to work," showcasing his personality beyond the football field.
For Indiana fans, this announcement represents a bittersweet farewell to a player who redefined their program. For the NFL, it signals the arrival of one of the most exciting and accomplished young quarterbacks in recent memory, poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
