Fernando Mendoza is not attending the 2026 NFL Draft today because he chose to stay with his family in Miami instead of traveling to Pittsburgh for the event. He will follow the selection process remotely, and it wouldn’t be the first time a quarterback selected No. 1 overall does so.
The Indiana quarterback, who starred for the Hoosiers in their championship win last season, explained that family reasons played a central role in his choice, particularly his desire to share the moment with loved ones who could not easily travel.
His mother, Elsa Mendoza, lives with multiple sclerosis, a health condition that has also been widely reported as a key factor influencing the decision, making a home setting more practical and meaningful for the draft night experience.
Did Fernando Mendoza’s decision affect his draft stock?
No — Fernando Mendoza’s decision did not meaningfully hurt his draft stock. In fact, it has been largely neutral, because he was already locked in as the top quarterback prospect before any major “decision” narrative developed.
Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers catches the ball during the 2026 IU Pro Day (Source: Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
His draft position has been consistently stable throughout the 2026 cycle. He is widely projected as the QB1 and a top overall pick, with multiple major draft analysts and outlets placing him at or near No. 1 on their boards.
ESPN evaluators have repeatedly described him as the clear top quarterback in the class thanks to his physical tools, production and championship pedigree. Even broader draft coverage shows the same trend: His Heisman-winning season and national title run at Indiana actually solidified his status.
What team is most likely to draft Fernando Mendoza?
Right now, the strongest and most consistent projection is that the Las Vegas Raiders are the most likely team to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft order.
This alignment is also supported by broader draft consensus: analysts consistently describe him as the “consensus QB1”, and when a prospect holds that status, the team picking first typically becomes the default fit unless a trade disrupts the board.
