Fernando Mendoza shares his vision for the perfect 2026 NFL Draft night

The 2026 NFL Draft arrives on April 23, and Fernando Mendoza keeps showing up in every conversation about the top pick. What started as speculation turned into something more concrete after his dominant 2025 season.

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 selection, and Mendoza fits exactly what they need at quarterback.

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Mendoza collected hardware all year long. He won the Heisman Trophy, earned Associated Press Player of the Year, and took home the Walter Camp Award. First-team AP All-American honors followed, along with Big Ten Offensive Player and Quarterback of the Year.

He threw 41 touchdown passes against just six interceptions while leading his team to a national championship. Those numbers tell the story of a player who took over college football.

But how does Mendoza see draft night playing out if his name gets called first?

“I think the perfect NFL draft night for me is to be there with my entire family and extended family, because although I’ve gotten to this point, it takes a village,” Mendoza said during a recent interview with Sports Illustrated. “I’m so grateful and thankful I’ve had so many great role models, mentors, parents in my life that have allowed me to get to this point. I want to be able to celebrate them and celebrate their moment, because they have poured into me and allowed our entire family to get to this building.”

Fernando Mendoza

The gratitude runs deep for Mendoza, and it tracks with the foundation his parents built. Fernando Sr. and Elsa stayed consistent through every stage of his development.