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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 over 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 so did my parents. It’s a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation. I’m going to have to fly (in) the morning anyway. For this trip, it’ll be a lot easier to stay at home,” Mendoza said Monday during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks on 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/Imagn Images)
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 said that because he is staying home, he will be able to share his experience with more people who helped him on his journey.
“I wanted to stay and create a memory with everyone who contributed to my football journey,” Mendoza said. “Mentors, coaches, family, friends, we want to share this memory with all of them, it will be the best memory I can create, rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”
Although Mendoza will stay home, he said there will be cameras at home to capture his reaction when the Las Vegas Raiders likely take him with the top pick.
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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)
“I always want to be the best league partner I can become and make sure there are as many cameras as ESPN wants,” Mendoza said. “Whatever they ask of me, I will do. However, I think it is very important to start this journey with everyone who brought me this far.”
Even though he won’t be in Pittsburgh, he called it a great place.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and a great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage Thursday night,” Mendoza said. Mendoza should be the No. 1 selection this year after playing 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 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. Mendoza’s 41 touchdowns led all Division I quarterbacks. While Mendoza played with the Hoosiers, there is no guarantee he will start in Week 1 if he is indeed selected by the Raiders.
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 signed Kirk Cousins a few weeks ago, providing them with a veteran quarterback who can start while Mendoza develops.
