Fernando Mendoza has ambitions to showcase his skills with his Indiana teammates.
The projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza, has decided not to pitch at this week’s combine, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Instead, he plans to pitch at Indiana University’s pro day on April 1. The reason? Mendoza wants to highlight a receiver from his school, hoping to give him the best opportunity.
In previous statements, Mendoza shared his preference for working with familiar faces rather than the random assortment of receivers at the combine. He mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Show” that being with his own players is really important to him. “At the combine, you’re going to be throwing to different receivers. It’s a whole different thing,” he noted. “And I want to give my guys the best chance.”
His desire to be alongside the team during the pro day is evident. “I want to be there with the guys, throwing with the running backs,” he said.
Currently projected to be selected by the Raiders, Mendoza expressed that he feels “blessed” at the opportunity to potentially play for them. He emphasized this point during a recent interview, joyfully stating how much of an honor it would be to join the Raiders.
Upon accepting the Davey O’Brien Award as the top college quarterback, he mentioned, “It would be an honor to play for the Raiders. I would be overjoyed if an NFL team drafted me.” He added, “During the draft, I’ll probably shed a tear or two because it’s a full-circle moment for me… My goal going to Indiana was to get into the NFL. It wasn’t about being a great college player; it was about trying to develop into an NFL quarterback one day.”
Mendoza had an impressive college career, having completed 72.0% of his passes and achieving 3,535 passing yards along with 41 touchdowns—leading Indiana to an undefeated season and ultimately the College Football Playoff national championship.
