Indiana Football Qb Fernando Mendoza Announces Nfl Draft Decision

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana shot backmost Fernando Mendoza's clip successful Bloomington has officially travel to a close.

Mendoza announced he's entering nan 2026 NFL Draft successful a societal media video Friday morning, posted betwixt appearances connected The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon connected Thursday nighttime and Good Morning America connected Friday morning.

"Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led maine to going 16-0 pinch my boys and a nationalist championship," Mendoza said successful nan video. "And has now led maine here, nan infinitesimal wherever I get to dream bigger. Thank you to my family, nan teammates that pushed maine and nan coaches that took a chance connected me. It is only pinch your support and nan glory of God that I americium present today.

"With spot successful my instauration and gratitude for each personification that has helped maine scope this moment, I americium fresh to return nan adjacent step. My LinkedIn position is now, 'Open to work.' I americium officially declaring for nan 2026 NFL Draft."

Mendoza transferred from nan University of California, Berkeley, to Indiana connected Dec. 24, 2024. He spent conscionable nether 13 months arsenic a Hoosier, but he'll everlastingly beryllium ingrained successful programme history.

The Miami autochthonal became Indiana's first-ever Heisman Trophy victor and first recipient of nan Big Ten Quarterback of nan Year, 2nd Indiana subordinate to triumph Big Ten Offensive Player of nan Year, led nan Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Championship Game triumph and, of course, their first nationalist championship.

Mendoza capped his profession by winning Offensive Player of nan Game successful nan Hoosiers' Peach Bowl triumph complete Oregon and College Football Playoff National Championship Game triumph complete Miami.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, a nation-leading 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions to spell on pinch 276 yards and 7 scores connected nan ground.

Fernando Mendoza's NFL Draft projection

Mendoza is projected to beryllium nan No. 1 wide prime successful nan 2026 NFL Draft, a action that presently belongs to nan Las Vegas Raiders. Tom Brady, who Mendoza idolized increasing up, is simply a number proprietor for nan Raiders.

Come draught play successful April, Mendoza has a beardown chance to threat a fewer lengthy droughts.

Mendoza guided nan Hoosiers to caller heights connected nan section and became America's darling disconnected it. He's everlastingly Bloomington royalty — and now has nan chance to correspond Indiana astatine nan sport's highest level.