Fernando Mendoza Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Leading Indiana to National Title

Story by

Antonio G Losada

Fri, Jan 23, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the offseason holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After another disappointing campaign ended with a 3-14 record, the Raiders' brass faces a pivotal moment without much drama.

That's because all of the possible speculation about whom the Raiders will draft with the first overall pick is muted.

There is little question that Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will hear his name called first come April's draft, putting a bow on an impressive run that started last fall.

Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first national title in football and capped the year with the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and a 16–0 record, the first time a team has done that since Yale did it in 1894 .

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before the 2026 Rose Bowl. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Now, Mendoza's decision on his future is official, as the signal-caller declared for the NFL draft on Friday morning by posting a video message to his Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

“Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led me to going 16-0 with my boys and a national championship,” Mendoza said. “And has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger.

“Thank you to my family, the teammates that pushed me and the coaches that took a chance on me. It’s only with your support and the glory of God that I’m here today. With trust in my foundation and gratitude for every person that has helped me reach this moment, I'm ready to take the next step.

“My LinkedIn status is now, 'Open to work,' and I’m officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this season against just six interceptions, adding seven more scores on the ground. His instant-classic touchdown run on fourth down in the national title game against the Miami Hurricanes punctuated one of the most memorable seasons in Big Ten history.

Raiders minority owner Tom Brady , owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek were all in attendance for the College Football Playoff National Championship game to watch Mendoza’s performance in person. ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers noted Brady likely sees parts of himself in Mendoza’s game.

“I think Tom Brady looks at Fernando Mendoza and sees a lot of himself,” Rodgers said.

The Raiders will begin closing in on what appears to be one of the easiest decisions to make in NFL draft history.

Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.