Fernando Mendoza Not Planning to Attend the NFL Draft

Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh at the end of this month, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami. The Indiana quarterback will be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall, although the Raiders already signed veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins, and he's expected to open the 2026 season as the starter under center while Mendoza sits and watches early on in his NFL career. The Heisman Trophy winner led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the national championship in 2025, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 16 games played. He also had 90 carries for 276 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Mendoza doesn't have an obvious weakness and should have a pretty high floor for those looking to take him at No. 1 overall in rookie-only drafts later this year.

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter