Why Fernando Mendoza, Kenyon Sadiq, and other top prospects aren't at 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
Here's why these players aren't present in the Steel City.
Why Fernando Mendoza, Kenyon Sadiq, and other top prospects aren't at 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . While many young football players' dreams involve shaking the commissioner's hand on Draft Night, a few top prospects will not be in attendance this year in Pittsburgh.
Both Fernando Mendoza and Kenyon Sadiq headline this year's list of best talents to be absent on the stage. Some prospects wish to be surrounded by their families for a more relaxed outing on the couch. Mendoza has always pledged himself as a family man, so the decision for the former Heisman winner to not attend does not come as a huge surprise.
Here's a breakdown of why Mendoza and some other top prospects will not be at the NFL Draft this year. NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs Is Fernando Mendoza at the NFL Draft? No, Fernando Mendoza will not be present in Pittsburgh for the upcoming NFL Draft.
On the Rich Eisen Show , Mendoza shared his desire to live out one of his career's premiere moments at home surrounded by family, along with making it easier to travel the following day. “It’d be a dream for a lot of guys, however, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did both my parents,” Mendoza said. “It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation, and I would have to hop on a plane the next morning anyway.