Mendoza Impresses at Pro Day, Tops 2026 NFL Draft Boards

Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana, solidified his status as the consensus top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft with a commanding performance at his pro day on Wednesday in Bloomington. Scouts from all 32 teams attended the event, where the 6-foot-5, 236-pound signal-caller threw approximately 56 passes, showcasing accuracy across short, medium and deep routes while operating from the pocket and on the move. The draft, marking its 91st year, is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Mendoza's session was not flawless; he overthrew a few deep balls, including one to receiver Elijah Sarratt. However, his poise under simulated pressure and precise timing drew praise from observers, reinforcing why analysts rank him as the No. 1 overall pick. In his final college season, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores. He led Indiana to its first national championship, defeating powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon and Miami en route to the school's first outright Big Ten title since 1945.

Projections point to the Las Vegas Raiders selecting...