Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will not attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, opting to celebrate in Miami with family and friends. He is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders on April 25.
Key points
Fernando Mendoza will celebrate the draft in Miami.
He is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.
The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to select him.
Recent trends show top picks often skip the live event.
Mendoza likely won't have as flashy of a watch party as Mayfield, but his rise from under-recruited 3-star to national champion, Heisman winner and No. 1 pick is certainly cause for celebration.
Q&A
Why is Fernando Mendoza not attending the NFL draft?
Fernando Mendoza is choosing to celebrate with family and friends in Miami instead of attending the draft in Pittsburgh.
When is the NFL draft where Fernando Mendoza is expected to be picked?
The NFL draft is scheduled for April 25, 2026.
Which team is likely to draft Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick?
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick.
What recent trends exist regarding top NFL draft picks attending the event?
In recent years, many top NFL draft picks, including Travon Walker and Trevor Lawrence, have opted to stay home instead of attending the draft in person.
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Here's why Mendoza is staying home rather than traveling to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft:
Why Fernando Mendoza isn't attending NFL draft
There isn't much to Mendoza's decision to not attend the NFL draft. Mendoza told Rich Eisen it would be more memorable to share the moment at home, where more friends and family could attend.
"It's a dream for a lot of guys," Mendoza said 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. We have to hop in a plane the next morning anyway, and for that travel, it'd be a lot easier to stay home.
"I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey. Mentors, coaches, family, friends. To be able to share that moment with all of them, is going to be the best memory that I can make, rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh."
It makes sense, as he wouldn't have to sit around for long in Pittsburgh since he's the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall. Mendoza also hasn't been shy to mention what his family means to him, which became a well-known narrative surrounding the former Indiana star.
Mendoza's mother, Elsa Mendoza, battles multiple sclerosis, which has forced her to need a wheelchair. Mendoza and his mom drew attention during the Hoosiers' College Football Playoff run due to their obvious connection.
“Our mom is our inspiration, our light, and gives us positivity every single day," Mendoza told the IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, in January. "She's my idol. I know she's the same for Alberto, as both of our parents are, and seeing her fight and fight every single day gives us no excuse to ever take anything for granted."
Mendoza also paid tribute to his mom during his Heisman acceptance speech.
"Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine," he said in December. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light. You're my why. You're my biggest supporter. Your sacrifice, courage, love those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I'm gonna carry through my side through my entire life.
"You taught me that toughness doesn't need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It's choosing hope. It's believing in yourself when the world doesn't give you much reason to."
