Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, announced Friday that he will enter the 2026 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old redshirt junior capped an unforgettable season by leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated record, displaying poise, toughness, and playmaking ability that made him a standout at the collegiate level.
Mendoza Dominates At Indiana With Record Stats, Clutch Plays, And NFL Attention
In his first and only year at Indiana, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions on 72% completions. He added 276 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns across 16 games. Mendoza’s season featured numerous late-game heroics, including his defining moment in the national championship against Miami. Despite being hit hard throughout the game and taking three sacks, Mendoza executed a game-winning 12-yard quarterback draw on fourth down, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Fernando Mendoza (NFL)The performance drew significant attention from NFL evaluators. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the first overall pick, sent a high-profile contingent, including owner Mark Davis, GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady, to watch Mendoza firsthand, highlighting the level of interest in the top quarterback prospect.
Mendoza’s Unconventional Journey Highlights Talent, Leadership, And NFL-Ready Quarterback Skills
Mendoza’s path to prominence was unconventional. A lightly recruited high school player from the Miami area, he initially committed to Yale before switching to Cal. After redshirting in 2022, he played two seasons for the Golden Bears, throwing for 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions while rushing for four additional scores. His rise at Indiana silenced questions about whether he could translate his skills to the NFL level.
Mendoza impressed throughout the season with precise throws in tight windows, strong decision-making, and underrated toughness. While his arm strength may not be elite, he delivers accurate passes with a quick release, both horizontally and vertically, and can scramble or execute designed runs when necessary.
Beyond physical talent, Mendoza’s leadership and personality have been lauded by teammates and media alike. His upbeat demeanor, work ethic, and poise in the Heisman media circuit demonstrate the intangibles NFL teams covet in a quarterback. Evaluators see him as capable of handling a complex professional offense and earning the trust of a locker room quickly.
With a combination of size, accuracy, mobility, and mental toughness, Mendoza enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most compelling quarterback prospects. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and lead a team effectively makes him a potential franchise-caliber player ready to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
