Fernando Mendoza Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Leading Indiana to National Title

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Fernando Mendoza is fresh off leading Indiana’s football program to its first national title.

Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy this season, finished the College Football Playoff National Championship Game with 186 yards through the air and a big rushing touchdown to lift Indiana to a 27-21 win. He didn’t throw any touchdown passes, but still made some really great throws.

He also declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and will likely be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, who are in need of a new franchise quarterback.

Outside of all that, Mendoza is now officially working with LinkedIn, which he’s active on. Per Front Office Sports, he’s working in a “more integrated” capacity with the app.

Mendoza finished the 2025 season with 3,535 yards through the air, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. This was his only season with Indiana after spending the previous two seasons with California. He finished his collegiate career with 8,247 yards through the air, 71 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, and a 68.6% completion percentage.

After beating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, Indiana beat Alabama, Oregon, and Miami in the College Football Playoff to win the national title. The Hoosiers blew out the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, the Ducks in the Peach Bowl, and the Hurricanes in the title game.

Mendoza will work with LinkedIn while preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for Pittsburgh from Apr. 23-25.

Related: Fernando Mendoza Scouting Report

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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