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Fernando Mendoza has reportedly made a big decision about the NFL Draft: he will not enter it.
Mendoza, 22, would rather share his draft experience with his family in Miami than attend the draft in Pittsburgh, according to ESPN. The last time the top-rated quarterback did not enter the NFL Draft was in 2021, when Trevor Lawrence was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mendoza’s mother, Elsa, has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 15 years and currently uses a wheelchair, which may be a reason for Mendoza’s reported decision to stay at home.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school’s NFL pro day in Bloomington, Indiana, on April 1, 2026. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback met on Tuesday with the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the top pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Mendoza has been projected to be the top pick in this year’s draft as the season unfolded, starring for an undefeated Indiana team that went on to win the national championship.
In 16 games last season, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. Mendoza’s 41 touchdowns led all Division I quarterbacks.
While the Raiders are generally expected to take Mendoza, there is no guarantee he will start in Week 1.
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts with the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
However, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have repeatedly said they believe in not playing a young quarterback right away, making it unlikely Mendoza would start Week 1.
The Raiders officially signed Kirk Cousins on Monday, giving them a veteran quarterback who can start while Mendoza develops.
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before the Indiana Hoosiers vs. Miami Hurricanes College Football Playoff National Championship Game Presented by AT&T on January 19, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Cousins is also familiar with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak. During Cousins’ time with the Minnesota Vikings, Kubiak was his quarterbacks coach for two seasons and his offensive coordinator for another.
If the Raiders do indeed select Mendoza, they hope he can be the face of their franchise regardless of when they ultimately start him.
