Fernando Mendoza on faith, family, and his NFL Draft journey to No. 1 overall pick
The No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft told us about his winding journey to get here.
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - APRIL 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the 2026 IU Pro Day at John Mellencamp Pavilion on April 01, 2026 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images This is a big week for Fernando Mendoza. One that will end with him, in all likelihood, as the first-overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the new face of the Las Vegas Raiders.
So how did that week begin for the Indiana quarterback and 2025 Heisman Trophy winner? By sitting down to chat with SB Nation first thing Monday morning. “No other way I’d want to do it,” said Mendoza to me with a bright smile over Zoom on Monday.
Our conversation began with a look back. “I would sum up the past year as a blessing,” began Mendoza. “When I decided to take the leap of faith from California to Indiana, I was unsure about what the results would be.
However, my parents made sure that I stayed focused in the present moment to then best serve my teammates and best serve my situation at hand. I’ve had great teammates and great coaches. Which allowed the team to win the Big Ten Championship, a national championship, and the team to win a Heisman, which was awesome.
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