Why expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza won't be at the NFL Draft

TL;DR

Fernando Mendoza, the expected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will not attend the event in Pittsburgh, opting to watch from home with family. He cites a desire to share the moment with loved ones as the reason for his decision.

Key points

Fernando Mendoza will not attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
He prefers to watch the draft at home with family.
Mendoza is expected to be the first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The draft event starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Mentioned in this story

Pittsburgh

Fernando MendozaLas Vegas RaidersIndiana Hoosiers

Fernando Mendoza, the anticipated No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, says he will not be in attendance alongside other headlining draft picks at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Thursday evening. Instead, the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback will watch the ceremony like most across the nation-- at home. "I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey," Mendoza said on the The Rich Eisen Show this week. "Mentors, coaches, family, friends, being able to share that moment with all of them is gonna be the best memory that I can make." Hoosiers' star quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks out after declaring for NFL draft Mendoza said watching with the large group of loved ones will be preferable to limiting his group to "ten or 12 people in Pittsburgh." Mendoza said the decision was ultimately family-motivated. "My mom really wanted to do it at home... it's a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation," Mendoza said, also attributing the decision to travel ease.

Cfp/Getty Images - PHOTO: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with his mother Elsa after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game, January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mendoza has been public about the love and support he feels for his parents, including his mother Elsa Mendoza, who was diagnosed with MS roughly 18 years ago. Despite the preference to watch the draft at home with his family, the quarterback acknowledged the excitement to come in Pittsburgh. "Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it's a great venue, and I'm really excited to see all the guys, or most the guys, walk across the stage on Thursday night," he said. Later Mendoza shared, "I still want to be the best league partner I can become, and make sure that there's however many cameras that ESPN wants there, or whatever they need from me, I will do." He continued, "However, I think it's very important to start off this journey with everyone who's gotten me to this point." Cfp/Getty Images - PHOTO: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with his family after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game, January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mendoza has spent much of his time in the spotlight championing his family. At his Heisman Trophy ceremony in December, dedicating the award to her. "This is your trophy as much as it is mine," he said at the time. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light. You're my why. Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook." During his now well-recognized speech, Mendoza went on to shout out each of his family members, including his father, brothers and grandparents. The NFL Draft, where Mendoza is anticipated to be the first pick to the , kicks off on Thursday and will air on ABC and ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET.

Q&A

Why won't Fernando Mendoza attend the NFL Draft?

Fernando Mendoza chose not to attend the NFL Draft to watch the event at home with his family and friends, prioritizing shared memories over the event atmosphere.

What team is expected to draft Fernando Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza is anticipated to be the first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What did Mendoza say about his family during the draft decision?

Mendoza emphasized the importance of being with his family during the draft, noting that his mother wanted to celebrate at home due to their family situation.

When and where is the 2026 NFL Draft taking place?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday evening at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, starting at 8 p.m. ET.