Fernando Mendoza Enjoys Masters Before Expected Top NFL Draft Pick

The Heisman Trophy winner was spotted mingling with sports media personalities ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented scenes of Fernando Mendoza interacting with various people at the 2026 Masters Tournament, conveying the energy and excitement around his impending NFL draft selection.Mendoza's pre-draft activities at the Masters showcase his growing celebrity and the anticipation around his NFL future.Augusta Today

Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University, was spotted enjoying the 2026 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, before he is widely expected to be selected first overall in the upcoming NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza was seen posing for photos with NBC Sports' Maria Taylor, CBS' Jim Nantz, and other sports figures, as he soaked in the experience before embarking on his professional football career.

Why it matters

Mendoza's appearance at the prestigious golf tournament is a sign of his rising star power ahead of the NFL Draft. As one of the top quarterback prospects, Mendoza's every move is being closely watched by media and fans alike, and his ability to rub elbows with sports media personalities at the Masters underscores his growing celebrity status.

The details

Mendoza, who led Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship last season, was seen posing for photos with NBC Sports' Maria Taylor, CBS' Jim Nantz, and the Golf Channel's Kira Dixon. He was also spotted with his brother, Alberto, a quarterback for Georgia Tech, as well as Jack Luckhurst, a placekicker for South Carolina, and Michael Luckhurst, a Cal men's soccer forward. Mendoza and Luckhurst were former teammates on the Cal football team before Mendoza transferred to Indiana for his final year of eligibility.

  • Mendoza attended the 2026 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia this past weekend.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University who is widely expected to be selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Maria Taylor

A broadcaster for NBC Sports.

Jim Nantz

A broadcaster for CBS Sports.

Kira Dixon

A broadcaster for the Golf Channel.

Alberto Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza's brother, who is a quarterback for Georgia Tech.

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What they’re saying

“I always try to have a hunter mindset instead of the hunted mindset. So right now I try to compare myself to one out of thirty-two potential starting NFL quarterbacks — and I'm not even drafted by a team and I don't have a starting position. But you want to stay hungry.”

— Fernando Mendoza

What’s next

The Raiders, co-owned by Tom Brady, are expected to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. Mendoza has informed the league that he does not plan to attend the draft in person, and instead wants to share the experience with his family in Miami.

The takeaway

Mendoza's appearance at the prestigious Masters Tournament underscores his rising star power and celebrity status ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite being widely expected to be the top overall pick, the Heisman Trophy winner is maintaining a 'hunter mindset' as he prepares to embark on his professional football career.