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| Fernando Mendoza Announces 2026 NFL Draft Decision After Historic Title Season |
By NI ASAD
National championship–winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, announcing his decision Friday morning through a video shared on LinkedIn, an unconventional but fitting platform for a player preparing to take the next step in his professional career.
“Let’s get to work. I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Mendoza said in the video.
The announcement quickly gained attention across the football world, blending professional branding with on-field excellence and signaling the end of a historic collegiate journey.
From Leap of Faith to National Champion
The video opens with highlights from Indiana’s perfect 16–0 season, culminating in the program’s first national championship. It then cuts to Mendoza, dressed in professional attire, reflecting on his journey.
“Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith—a leap that led to me going 16–0 with my boys, a national championship, and now this moment where I get to dream bigger,” he said.
Mendoza transferred to Indiana from California, a move that initially carried uncertainty but ultimately reshaped the trajectory of the Hoosiers’ football program. In just one season, he led Indiana to unprecedented success, cementing his legacy in school history.
Gratitude and Faith at the Core
Throughout the announcement, Mendoza emphasized gratitude and faith, thanking those who supported him throughout his collegiate career.
“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 am here today,” Mendoza said.
He added that he is “ready to take the next step” with confidence in the foundation built during his college years.
A Historic Season by the Numbers
Listed at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Mendoza delivered one of the most dominant quarterback seasons in recent college football history. According to NFL.com, he finished the year with:
1. 3,535 passing yards
2. 41 touchdown passes
3. Six interceptions
4. 72% completion rate
5. 276 rushing yards
6. Seven rushing touchdowns
His performance peaked in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where Indiana defeated the Miami Hurricanes. Mendoza was named Offensive Player of the Game, putting the final stamp on a season that also included a Heisman Trophy and a flawless record.
Endorsements from Teammates and Scouts
Shortly before Mendoza’s announcement, Indiana defensive end Mikail Kamara, the CFP Defensive Player of the Game, offered high praise during an interview with TMZ Sports.
“No matter what team ends up drafting him, they’re getting a future Hall of Famer,” Kamara said.
Kamara described Mendoza as smart, tough, selfless, and deeply committed to his teammates and coaches, calling him “a hell of a quarterback who truly loves the game.”
Projected No. 1 Overall Pick
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft. Raiders owner Mark Davis and team executive Tom Brady were both in attendance for Indiana’s championship victory, further fueling speculation.
With the Raiders seeking a franchise quarterback, Mendoza is viewed as a near-perfect fit. His primary competition for the top selection, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, has opted to return to college for another season, strengthening Mendoza’s position as the draft’s top prospect.
Looking Ahead to April
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23, and if projections hold, Fernando Mendoza will soon hear his name called first-the culmination of a journey defined by belief, preparation, and elite performance.
Sources
NFL.com, ESPN, LinkedIn (Official Fernando Mendoza video announcement), Instagram (Fernando Mendoza official account), TMZ Sports, Indiana Hoosiers Athletics, College Football Playoff (CFP), Las Vegas Raiders (team context and draft positioning).
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