Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the celebrated 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, has officially announced he’s entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a national championship. He’s grabbed the attention of NFL scouts and fans with his performance both on and off the field.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza has that size and skill combo everyone’s looking for. His leadership makes him even more coveted as a prospect.
With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first overall pick, all eyes are on Mendoza as he takes his next step toward the NFL.
Fernando Mendoza’s Stellar 2025 Season
Mendoza’s 2025 season at Indiana was, honestly, kind of wild. In his only year with the Hoosiers, he threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions—and he completed 72% of his passes.
He also showed off his legs, rushing for 276 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 games. Not bad for a guy new to the Big Ten.
Key Moments and Achievements
Several moments really defined Mendoza’s season:
- Leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated season
- Delivering multiple thrilling late-game victories
- Winning the Heisman Trophy as a runaway favorite
- Executing a game-winning 12-yard QB draw on fourth down in the national-title game
He took some big hits in the national-title game against Miami. Mendoza’s toughness and poise in the fourth quarter were on full display.
His ability to make clutch conversions under pressure just added to his reputation.
Path to the NFL
Mendoza’s road to the NFL wasn’t exactly straightforward. He was a lightly recruited high-school quarterback from the Miami area and actually committed to Yale at first.
He switched to Cal, redshirted in 2022, and then played two seasons for the Golden Bears. There, he racked up 4,712 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, plus four rushing touchdowns.
Attributes and Skills
During the 2025 season, Mendoza kept showing flashes of NFL potential:
- Precision Throws: He nailed accurate passes into tight windows.
- Decision Making: For the most part, Mendoza avoided costly mistakes and made smart choices.
- Toughness: He took hits and kept performing, which evaluators definitely noticed.
His arm strength isn’t elite, but he makes up for it by delivering sharp, on-a-line throws, especially across the field. That quick, tidy release—almost three-quarters—makes his passes easy to catch.
He’s mobile in the pocket and can be used as a designed runner, which adds another layer to his game.
Intangibles and Leadership
There’s more to Mendoza than just stats and skills. He won over his Indiana teammates fast, thanks to an upbeat personality and a positive outlook.
His victory speech during the Heisman media circuit? It made him even more likable with fans and analysts.
Potential Fit with the Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are clearly interested. Owner Mark Davis, GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady were all at the national-title game to watch him up close.
The Raiders need a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza’s blend of skills and leadership could be exactly what they’re after.
Conclusion
Fernando Mendoza just announced he’s entering the 2026 NFL Draft. This is a huge step in his football career, and honestly, it’s hard not to be a little excited about what comes next.
He’s put together a solid college resume, showing off a skill set that NFL scouts can’t ignore. There’s something about his game—the way he moves, his decision-making—that you just can’t teach.
As the draft gets closer, it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up. Fans and analysts are already buzzing.
Want more updates or curious about how Mendoza’s journey unfolds? Check out the official NFL website for the latest.
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