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Will Fernando Mendoza be at the 2026 NFL Draft?

While fans are anxious to see the Mendoza's big moment on draft night, the Heisman Trophy winner shared earlier this month that he will not be in attendance. His reason for not attending what will be another big night in his career makes sense if you have been following the former Indiana Hoosier star. He is big on supporting his family and has decided to stay close for the night.

“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it’s a great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys or most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza told Rich Eisen on SportsCenteron Monday, April 20. “However, 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.”

Mendoza has been open about his mother, Elsa's, health, as she has multiple sclerosis.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting Thursday (April 23) to Saturday (April 25). Take a look below at the times for this year's NFL Draft:

• Thursday, April 23 − Round 1: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• Friday, April 24 − Rounds 2-3: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
• Saturday, April 25 − Rounds 4-7: Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT

The NFL Draft will air on the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. Fans can sstream on NFL+.

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