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Fernando Mendoza has reportedly made a big decision regarding the NFL Draft: he will not attend.
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 projected top quarterback didn’t attend 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 more than 15 years and currently uses a wheelchair, which could explain Mendoza’s decision to stay home.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school’s NFL pro day in Bloomington, Indiana, April 1, 2026. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback met Tuesday with the Las Vegas Raiders, who have the top pick in this year’s NFL draft. Mendoza was expected to be the top selection in this year’s draft as the season unfolded, featuring an undefeated Indiana team that won the national championship.
In 16 games last season, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. Mendoza’s 41 touchdowns led all Division I quarterbacks.
Although the Raiders are widely 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 stated they believe in not playing a young quarterback right away, making it unclear whether Mendoza would start in Week 1.
The Raiders officially signed Kirk Cousins on Monday, providing them with 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 against the 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 also knows new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak. During Cousins’ time with the Minnesota Vikings, Kubiak served as 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.
