Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced on Instagram that he is entering the 2026 NFL Draft, forgoing his final college season. The Heisman Trophy winner guided the Hoosiers to a perfect 16‑0 record and a CFP national championship, capping the run with a 12‑yard touchdown run in the title game.

Raiders owner Mark Davis, minority partner Tom Brady, and GM John Spytek were on the sidelines as Indiana defeated No. 10 Miami 27‑21 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Their presence underscores Las Vegas’s belief that Mendoza, who posted 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and a 72% completion rate, fits their rebuild.

If Las Vegas selects Mendoza first on April 23‑25 in Pittsburgh, he would join Joe Burrow and Cam Newton as the only players to capture a Heisman, a national title and the No. 1 overall pick within a year. Oregon’s Dante Moore chose to return, leaving the Raiders with a clear quarterback heir apparent.