**Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Announces Intention to Enter 2026 NFL Draft**
Indiana University’s star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, just declared he’ll enter the 2026 NFL Draft. The news is already stirring up excitement among NFL scouts and college football fans everywhere.
Mendoza’s choice marks a big moment in his career. It’s setting up what could be a wild draft season.
Fernando Mendoza’s College Career
Fernando Mendoza has put together an impressive run at Indiana University. Over the past few seasons, he’s shown off his skills and earned plenty of recognition.
He kept breaking records and making a name for himself. NFL scouts and analysts have definitely taken notice.
Achievements and Stats
While at Indiana, Mendoza hit some pretty major milestones:
- Passing Yards: He racked up over 10,000 passing yards, proving he can lead an offense and make accurate throws.
- Touchdowns: Mendoza tossed more than 100 touchdown passes, becoming a go-to scorer for the Hoosiers.
- Completion Rate: His 68% completion rate shows off his accuracy and quick decision-making.
- Awards: He even snagged the Davey O’Brien Award, which goes to the nation’s top college quarterback.
Impact on Indiana University
Mendoza’s time at Indiana has really changed the team’s fortunes. With him at quarterback, the Hoosiers started competing at a higher level and making it into major bowl games.
He’s the kind of leader who can rally his teammates and pull off game-winning plays. Fans and players alike have grown to admire him.
Team Success
Here’s what the Hoosiers accomplished while Mendoza led the charge:
- Bowl Game Appearances: They made it to three straight bowl games, thanks in large part to Mendoza’s leadership.
- Conference Championships: Indiana locked down two Big Ten Conference championships, showing they could dominate in the league.
- National Rankings: The team kept landing in the top 25, which says a lot about their edge on the field.
Preparation for the NFL Draft
Mendoza is now shifting his focus to the NFL. Getting ready for the draft means serious training, plus showing up at the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days to prove his skills.
He’s known for his work ethic and determination. Those traits should help his draft stock.
Scouting Combine and Pro Days
The Combine and pro days are huge parts of the draft journey:
- Physical Tests: Mendoza will take on drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and bench press to show off his athleticism.
- On-Field Drills: He’ll throw in front of scouts to highlight his accuracy, arm strength, and how he handles pressure.
- Interviews: Teams will sit down with him to dig into his football IQ, character, and leadership.
Potential NFL Teams
There’s a good chance several NFL teams will look closely at drafting Mendoza. His skill set and college track record make him a pretty appealing option for teams needing a quarterback.
Franchises that like to develop young talent or want to rebuild their offense might see Mendoza as a great fit.
Teams to Watch
Some possible destinations for Mendoza include:
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are looking for their next franchise quarterback, and Mendoza could be the answer.
- New York Jets: The Jets have struggled to find a steady QB, and Mendoza’s style seems to match what they’re after.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have a reputation for developing quarterbacks, so Mendoza might really shine there.
Conclusion
Fernando Mendoza just announced he’s entering the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s a huge moment for him, and honestly, for anyone who’s followed his journey so far.
He built a strong foundation during his time at Indiana University. You can tell he’s itching for that next step—pro football feels like the natural move.
Fans and analysts are already speculating about where he’ll end up. The anticipation’s real, and the draft chatter is only going to ramp up from here.
If you want the official scoop on Mendoza’s announcement or just want to dig deeper into his story, check out the NFL news article.
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