Fernando Mendoza Shines at Indiana Pro Day

Fernando Mendoza reinforced his position as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft during his Pro Day on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Indiana. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams attended the event to evaluate the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback.

Exceptional Performance

Mendoza completed 53 of his 56 pass attempts, demonstrating remarkable accuracy. According to NFL Network, he began the session by completing his first 23 passes consecutively. His only slightly inaccurate throw occurred on a deep “go” route.

Raiders Show Strong Interest

The Las Vegas Raiders were heavily represented at the Pro Day, sending a delegation of 10 individuals, including General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Klint Kubiak. This strong showing suggests significant interest in Mendoza as a potential franchise quarterback.

Mendoza's Collegiate Success

Mendoza is coming off a highly successful collegiate career. He became the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy and led the program to its first national championship in football. During his final season, he completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Preparing for the NFL

Despite his accomplishments, Mendoza acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to the professional level. “I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season,” Mendoza said. “But I know at the next level, there’s going to be a lot more snaps under center and that’s a big adjustment.”

He also noted the faster pace of the game and the condensed hash marks as areas requiring adaptation. “So all those things, I look forward to learning,” he added.

Draft Outlook

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick after finishing the 2025 season with a 3-14 record. The NFL draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.