Fernando Mendoza's mom is Indiana QB's 'why.' What to know of top NFL draft pick's mother

Fernando Mendoza is in line to make history during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft . The Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national title in program history, is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders — the first time a Hoosiers player has been selected with the first pick since Corby Davis went to the Los Angeles Rams in 1938.

OPINION: 'Gym rat' Fernando Mendoza is right pick for Raiders – if team is patient Only 13 Hoosiers have been taken in the first round of the NFL draft, and no quarterbacks. The highest-drafted quarterback in program history is Babe Laufenberg, who was taken in the sixth round of the 1983 NFL Draft with the No. 168 overall pick.

The 6-foot-5 quarterback is set to take in all that history and see his childhood dream become a reality (which will come with a payday of over $54 million) from the comfort of his hometown of Miami with his friends and family, including his best friend and mom, Elsa Mendoza. Here's what to know about Fernando Mendoza's mom ahead of the NFL draft: Who is Fernando Mendoza's mom? Fernando Mendoza's mom is Elsa Mendoza, who played women's tennis at the University of Miami.

The Hurricanes declined Fernando Mendoza a walk-on opportunity coming out of high school at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. More importantly, she's also Fernando Mendoza's best friend and "inspiration, " because of her open battle with multiple sclerosis. In an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show" on April 20, the projected first overall pick said his mom's battle is the source of his resilience throughout his playing career.