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Heisman Trophy winner and projected top pick Fernando Mendoza revealed why he will not attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Mendoza’s mother, Elsa, has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 15 years and currently uses a wheelchair. The 22-year-old said his parents wanted to do the draft at home.
“My mom really wanted to do it at home, and my parents too. It’s a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation. I’m going to have to get on a plane (in) the morning anyway. For that trip, it’ll be a lot easier to stay home,” Mendoza said Monday during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza watches during warmups before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Image Images)
The last time the most promising quarterback did not attend the NFL Draft was in 2021, when Trevor Lawrence was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mendoza said that by staying home he will be able to count on more people who helped him on his journey and share his experience.
“I wanted to stay and create a memory with everyone who participated in my soccer journey,” Mendoza said. “Mentors, coaches, family, friends, we want to share that memory with all of them, it will be the best memory you can have, instead of limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”
While Mendoza will stay home, he said there will be cameras at home to capture his reaction for when the Las Vegas Raiders likely take him with the No. 1 pick.
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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)
“I still want to be the best league partner I can be and make sure there are as many cameras as ESPN wants there,” Mendoza said. “Whatever you need from me, I will do it. However, I think it is very important to start this journey with everyone who has brought me to this point.”
While he won’t be in Pittsburgh, he considered it a great place.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and a great place, and I’m very excited to see all the guys take the stage Thursday night,” Mendoza said. Mendoza has been projected to be the No. 1 pick this year after starring on an undefeated Indiana team that won the national championship.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
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 Mendoza starred with the Hoosiers, there is no guarantee he will start Week 1 if he is indeed selected by the Raiders.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have said on numerous occasions that they believe in not playing a young quarterback right away, so it’s not a sure thing for Mendoza to start Week 1.
The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins a couple of weeks ago, giving them a veteran quarterback who can start while Mendoza develops.
