Fernando Mendoza Enters 2026 NFL Draft – Inside the Hall
Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. This announcement was made on Friday morning via his Instagram account, where he expressed his excitement with the message, “Let’s get to work.”
Key Achievements
Mendoza has had an impressive college career, culminating in leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 season and securing the program’s first national championship. His performance during the season was exceptional, as evidenced by the following statistics:
- Passing Yards: 3,535
- Touchdowns: 41
- Quarterback Rating: 90.3 (leading the nation)
Media Appearances and Impact
Currently in New York City, Mendoza made waves with his recent guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He has also been featured on several major networks, including:
- Good Morning America
- The Today Show
- CBS Mornings
Future Prospects
As the projected No. 1 overall pick, Mendoza is eyed by the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top selection in the upcoming draft in April. His selection is anticipated to be pivotal for the franchise as they seek to address their struggles.
Implications for Indiana Hoosiers
With Mendoza’s departure, the Hoosiers have made arrangements to fill the quarterback position. TCU transfer Josh Hoover has signed with the program, stepping in to lead the team in the upcoming season.
As Fernando Mendoza embarks on this new chapter toward the 2026 NFL Draft, his college accomplishments pave the way for an exciting professional career ahead.
