Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced on Friday that he is bypassing his senior season to enter the 2026 NFL draft. The university's first Heisman Trophy winner appears set to be selected with the top overall pick, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first selection.
Mendoza made his decision public in a video posted to his Instagram account, citing gratitude for his time at Indiana and excitement for the future. He said: 'Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led me to go 16-0 with my boys and a national championship. And has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger.'
The 22-year-old provided the defining moment of his season in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday, diving across the goal line on fourth down to secure a 27-21 victory for the top-ranked Hoosiers against No. 10 Miami.
Standing 6ft 5in and weighing 225lb, Mendoza completed 72.0% of his passes this season for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He also added 276 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
