Even though Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, he won't be attending the biggest event of his career.
Mendoza had 3,535 passing yards and 48 total touchdowns during his only season with the Indiana Hoosiers. Not only did he elevate his draft stock, he led the program to an undefeated record and national championship.
“Think about the biggest games, the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State, the three playoff games. He had 10 touchdowns and only one pick with a 74% completion percentage. This kid is ready for the NFL because he benefitted from 35 starts,” ESPN's Mel Kiper said. “He’ll be 23 in October. Think about the Raiders and that division and the AFC in general with all those great quarterbacks. This is a heck of a place to start [for the Raiders]. The future with Mendoza would look bright for Raider Nation. I’d lock it in with pen, with exclamations points.”
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The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
That being said, Mendoza won't be onstage to shake NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's hand.
"Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month," ESPN insider Adam Schefter said. "Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami."
The Mendoza family is inseparable.
Anyone who has been following Mendoza's career knows that his mother, Elsa, has been a huge inspiration for him. Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis roughly 18 years ago, she has attended all of his games.
When Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in December, he talked about his mother during his acceptance speech.
“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, you’re my ‘why,’ you’re my biggest supporter,” Mendoza said. “Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook and that playbook that I’m going to carry by my side for my entire life. You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.”
There's no question Mendoza's family will be shown during the first round of the NFL Draft.
