Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Declares for NFL Draft as Top Prospect
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming one of the top prospects for the upcoming selection. The announcement came via Mendoza’s social media on Friday, where he expressed his excitement about his decision.
Fernando Mendoza: A Meteoric Rise
This past season, Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship, earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in the process. His impressive performance placed him as a front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, particularly favored by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Notable Achievements
- Led Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship
- Won the Heisman Trophy
- Completed 72% of passes with 3,535 yards
- Recorded 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions
- Ran for 276 yards with seven rushing touchdowns
- Achieved a 16-0 season, a feat matched only by Yale in 1894
During the CFP National Championship game against No. 10 Miami, Mendoza showcased his skills by throwing for 186 yards and executing a pivotal 12-yard rushing touchdown that extended the Hoosiers’ lead in the fourth quarter.
Draft Projections and Historical Context
As the NFL Draft approaches, Mendoza is expected to be selected first overall on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Should the Raiders choose him, he would join an elite group of athletes who have captured the Heisman Trophy, won a national championship, and been selected as the top pick in the draft within a single year.
Only two players have achieved this remarkable feat before: Joe Burrow, who was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, and Cam Newton, selected by the Carolina Panthers in 2011.
With Mendoza’s impressive resume and exceptional performance, anticipation builds surrounding his future in the NFL. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike are eager to see where his talent will take him next.
