It had already been speculated, but on Friday the Heisman Trophy winner – and quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers – Fernando Mendoza announced via social media that he intends to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Let’s get to work. I’m humbled to announce, that I’m officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Mendoza wrote on Instagram on Friday.
From Yale Commit to National Champion: Mendoza’s Rise
Before his time at Indiana, Mendoza was an under-the-radar high school signal-caller out of the Miami area. He initially committed to Yale before transferring to the University of California. He sat out the 2022 season, then played two years for the Golden Bears. Ahead of the 2025 season, he transferred to Indiana. He proceeded to lead the Hoosiers to a perfect 16–0 season.
“Coming to Indiana was a leap into the unknown. A leap that led me and my guys to a 16–0 record and a national championship,” Mendoza said in a video he posted on Instagram. Now he has “even bigger dreams” and is “ready for the next step.”
The 22-year-old capped off his team’s perfect, undefeated season by winning the National Championship. The Hoosiers became only the second team in history to finish 16-0 and the first in the modern era, joining Yale in 1894.
The 1.96-meter tall passer threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns in 16 games, while throwing just six interceptions. He also added 276 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
That’s why he is already considered a lock for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Because 3 months before the draft, Mendoza is considered the best quarterback in an otherwise modest draft class.
Mendoza’s potential to break out as an NFL quarterback is also evident in how he carries himself off the field. His upbeat personality and optimistic attitude draw comparisons to Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
With his inspiring victory speech, he was also the standout star of the Heisman media circuit. Mendoza doesn’t just appear to have the mental makeup to handle a complex offense that requires a true decision-maker. He also seems capable of winning over a locker room.
Mendoza: The Raiders’ Top Target
GettyTom Brady Has a Say in Raiders’ No. 1 Pick.
The 2026 No. 1 pick belongs to the Las Vegas Raiders. From now on, they’ll be watching the quarterback very closely. Raiders majority owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady and GM John Spytek were already spotted on Indiana’s sideline Monday as the No. 1 Hoosiers edged No. 10 Miami 27–21 in the CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Dante Moore was a serious contender for the No. 1 pick, but the Oregon quarterback elected to stay with the Ducks for another season.
Should the Raiders take Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in Pittsburgh (April 23–25), he’d join an exclusive club—only the third player to win the Heisman, win a national title, and be selected first overall within a year.
Joe Burrow was the first in 2020 after LSU’s championship run, and Cam Newton did it in 2011 as the Panthers’ top pick.
Heisman Trophy Winner Officially Declares for NFL Draft