The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza ended a 22-year drought for Indiana without a first-round pick and is the first IU player drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era.
Key points
Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza first overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Mendoza ended Indiana's 22-year drought without a first-round pick
He is the first IU player drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era
Mendoza led Indiana to a national title with a perfect 16-0 record
Mendoza made a little bit more history for the Hoosiers on his way out the door by ending the programâs 22-year drought without a first-round pick and the only IU drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era. Corbett Davis was the previous No. 1 choice out of IU in 1938.
He solidified the top spot in the draft months ago while leading Indiana to a national title with a perfect 16-0 record. There was little drama in recent months as the Raiders didnât bother to hide their intentions of drafting the Heisman Trophy winner.
The moment aired (on a tape delay) during IUâs spring game with his replacement, Josh Hoover, leading the first-team offense. Hoover has big shoes to fill with Mendoza being responsible for a series of signature moments during IUâs title run culminating with a leap into the end zone against Miami.
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza highlights
Mendoza had too many HeisMendoza moments to count.
He bullied Illinois with a near perfect state line â 267 yards (21 of 23) with five touchdowns and no interceptions. He dialed up a game-winner against Iowa in the face of a zero blitz. Bounced back from throwing a pick-six at Oregon to upend the countryâs No. 2 ranked team. His throw to Omar Cooper Jr. will go down as one of college footballâs all-time plays. Mendoza came through with a pair of clutch throws to help put away Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. And he wasnât done there.
Q&A
Who is Fernando Mendoza and why was he drafted first overall in 2026?
Fernando Mendoza is the quarterback from Indiana who was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders due to his outstanding performance, including leading Indiana to a national title.
What historical significance does Mendoza's draft have for Indiana football?
Mendoza's selection marks the end of a 22-year drought for Indiana without a first-round pick and makes him the first player from IU to be drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era.
What were Mendoza's achievements leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 record and a national title, and he won the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his status as the top draft pick.
How did the Raiders announce their intention to draft Mendoza?
The Raiders made their intentions clear months prior to the draft, showing no hesitation in selecting Mendoza as their top choice.
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In Indianaâs first two postseason games, he threw for more touchdowns (eight) than incompletions (five). At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Mendoza celebrated his homecoming with the hardest fought 12-yard gain in CFP history.
All the heroics added up to a trophy case full awards and lifetime admiration from a long-suffering fanbase.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza NFL Combine results
Mendoza received an NFL combine invite, but didnât do any testing of on-field drills at the event. He didnât do any test at IUâs Pro Day, but did a lengthy on-field workout for scouts gathered in Bloomington in order to showcase his many teammates looking to get drafted. He threw 50-plus passes and only two hit the ground.
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza stats
Mendozaâs 3,535 yards passing ranked second-most in program history by the record set by Nate Sudfeld (3,573) in 2015. He broke Kurtis Rourkeâs record for most touchdowns in a single-season (41), a number that also led the FBS. Mendoza also led the nation in passing efficiency (182.9). Heâs the only FBS quarterback since at least 1996 to complete at least 90% of his passes while throwing four touchdown passes in multiple games against Power Four opponents.
According to PFF, he completed 29 passes on passes of 20-yards or more through the air for 955 yards and 11 touchdowns. The site graded 19 of those completions as big-time throws, a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) smiles as he celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) smiles as he celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza scouting report
Those looking for flaws in Mendozaâs film are trying too hard. The improved offensive line he played behind at Indiana unlocked his full potential. Behind the scenes, his arm talent was evident the moment he walked on campus as was his unrelenting work ethic. The only thing that prevented Mendoza from putting up numbers like Joe Burrow did at LSU in 2019 was the lopsided nature of IUâs many blowout wins and the staffâs emphasis on the run game. He ranked No. 4 in USA Todayâs top 200 draft prospects.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza coverage
