Fernando Mendoza will face almost-immediate franchise turnaround expectations as the projected No. 1 pick.
The heightened expectations come after the recent successes of top draft picks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young.
Getty
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, the 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the top pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Front Office Sports wrote: “Fernando Mendoza will face almost-immediate franchise turnaround expectations as the projected No. 1 pick.
The heightened expectations come after the recent successes of top draft picks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young.”
Fernando Mendoza will face almost-immediate franchise turnaround expectations as the projected No. 1 pick.
The heightened expectations come after the recent successes of top draft picks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young.
GettyFernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Before the NFL Draft, Mendoza made a one-word post to Instagram that had over 50,000 likes in ten hours.
He shared many recent photos.
Mendoza captioned the post: “Blessed🏝️”
Many fans sent love to the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner:
@kjarvi21: “My beloved Colts don’t have a first round pick, but I’m still so excited to watch the draft tonight and cheer you and our fellow Hoosiers on!!! ❤️🤍💙🤍”
@leigh_leigh2311: “So proud of you! Keep up the good works of familia and your sport. Hugs to your mama!”
@potentadeyemi: “Love you Fernando your gonna be a raider later today”
@fperez84: “You the man, champ! Thanks for being a good role model! LFG!”
@srt_jonathan: “CANT WAIT TILL I SEE YOUR NAME GET CALLED TONIGHT RAAAAAAAAIDERS 🔥🔥🔥🔥”
kelli_anne__017: “I love it when good things happen to good people 👏”
GettyIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot park on April 21, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
GettyFernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after winning against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Mendoza had started out his college career at Cal.
While he threw for 3,000 passing yards in his sophomore season, he was nowhere near on the radar of being the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This past season (with the Hoosiers), the 22-year-old broke out into a superstar.
In addition to leading Indiana to the National Championship, he threw for 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.
@4thandsaturday wrote: “Tonight Fernando Mendoza goes #1 to the Las Vegas Raiders The legend of Curt Cignetti grows further. Since taking over the worst historical FBS team ever: – Has gone 27-2 – 2 CFP appearances – BIG10 Title – 16-0 National Championship – Developed 2 star QB to #1 NFL pick”
GettyFernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the Champions News Conference at JW Marriott Marquis Miami on January 20, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
Mendoza’s brother (Alberto) is currently playing for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
He had been his backup at Indiana.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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