Fernando Mendoza Is Skipping Attending the NFL Draft to Be with His Family

Fernando Mendoza Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty NEED TO KNOW Fernando Mendoza won't be in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft The presumptive No. 1 pick will stay home with family and friends in Miami when his name is called later this month, according to multiple reports Mendoza previously shared with PEOPLE his feelings about the importance of family Fernando Mendoza , the presumptive No. 1 pick of the upcoming NFL Draft, won’t be in Pittsburgh when his name is called, according to multiple reports.

The Heisman Trophy winner, 22, will watch the draft unfold from his home in Miami, alongside his family and friends, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Athletic report on Tuesday, April 7. Mendoza is projected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, who have the first pick in the draft when it kicks off on April 23. The former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback will become the first No.

1 pick not to attend the draft since Travon Walker did so when the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in 2022. His now-quarterback, Trevor Lawrence , also stayed home the previous year when his name was called. Mendoza has been vocal about how important his family is to him, from his friendly rivalry with brother Alberto Mendoza, who was his backup at Indiana, to the bond he shares with his mother, Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis.

In an interview with PEOPLE in December 2025 , the signal-caller shared how his mom has impacted his life, and game. “It's that unwavering optimism that she gives me that really helps me go through my day,” Mendoza, who works with the National MS Society on behalf of his mom, said. “And she's so special to me.