Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza declares for 2026 NFL Draft

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced Friday morning that he is bypassing his senior season and entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

The university’s first Heisman Trophy winner effectively put himself in position to be selected with the top overall pick of the draft after announcing his decision in a video on his Instagram account. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the top pick.

“Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led me to go 16-0 with my boys and a national championship,” Mendoza said. “And has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger. … With trust in my foundation and gratitude for every person that has helped me reach this moment. I’m ready to take the next step.

“My LinkedIn status is now, open to work, and I’m officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72.0 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores.

Mendoza’s decision comes one day after two-time All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds declared for the NFL draft. Ponds recorded a 25-yard interception return for touchdown on Oregon’s first offensive play when the Hoosiers routed the Ducks 56-22 in the semifinals.

Ponds was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection after transferring to the Hoosiers from James Madison, where he was a freshman All-American in 2023. He is expected to be selected within the first two rounds of the draft despite standing just 5-foot-9.

–Field Level Media